Manatuto, July 14, 2025 – Aderito Hugo da Costa, Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (VMPA) of the IX Constitutional Government, alongside Manuel Pereira, Board President of Centro Chega!, and accompanied by local authorities and partners, laid the first stone for the construction of 6 houses for the most vulnerable survivors.
The ceremony, held in Kairui Village, Laleia, Manatuto Municipality, marked the symbolic start of construction not only for the house offered to Irenie Bi-Bui Fatima de Sousa but also for the other five houses across multiple municipalities. These include: Two in Baucau Municipality for Francisco Vital Ximenes (Buibau Village) and Ana Freitas (Uailili Village), both from the Administrative Post of Baucau Vila. Two in Manufahi for Agata da Silva (Berloic Village, Alas Administrative Post) and Alexandrino da Costa (Fatukahi Village, Fatuberliu Administrative Post). One in Ainaro: for Ana G. de Lima S. Lemos Almeida (Soro Village, Ainaro Administrative Post).
Centro Chega! is providing these 6 houses to survivors who remain highly vulnerable due to the 1974–1999 conflict. The initiative aims to honor their contributions to Timor-Leste’s independence struggle. Each house measures 9×7 meters and includes 3 bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, a porch, and a kitchen, which is fully electrified and has ceramics (except for the kitchen). The construction budget ranges from $14,800 to $17,000 per house, depending on material transportation costs, and includes labor expenses. The project is implemented by the Association of Political Conflict Victims 1974–1999.
During the ceremony, Aderito Hugo da Costa emphasized that the House for Survivors Initiative reflects the state’s commitment to implementing the reparations program outlined in the CAVR and Chega! Reports. He stated, Centro Chega! is a specialized institution dedicated to supporting war survivors. As VMPA, I assure you that the number of houses built will increase next year.
Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier, on behalf of the Board Administration members of Centro Chega!, emphasized that the victims are the vital work of Centro Chega!. Last year, 20 houses were built for the survivors. This year, Centro Chega! Will build 6 houses. Due to budget constraints, Centro Chega! Will provide based on its capacity, despite many victims and survivors are in need. It is deserved that 6 survivors receive this support as they live in very vulnerable conditions.
Centro Chega! I.P. expressed gratitude to all collaborating entities for their support in laying the first stone. Local authorities, especially Xefi Suku, and community members were urged to assist in ensuring the project’s timely completion.
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