ALEXANDRINO, A SURVIVOR, WAS BROUGHT TO TEARS UPON RECEIVING A HOUSE FROM VMAP AND CNC I.P.

Manufahi, November 26, 2025 – Alexandrino da Costa is a survivor and a victim of the past conflict between 1974-1999 in the Village of Cledic, Fatuk Ahi, Fatuberliu, in the Manufahi Municipality. He was brought to tears when he received a house for survivors, known as UMbE, handed to him by the IX Constitutional Government through the Vice Prime Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (VMAP, in Tetum), Aderito Hugo da Costa, and Manuel Pereira, the President of the Board of Administration of the Centro Chega!IP (CNC IP), alongside other authorities and representatives from the Association of Victims of Political Conflict 1974-1999.

In his remarks, Aderito Hugo da Costa acknowledged that Alexandrino deserves this house due to his contributions to the struggle for independence, despite living in vulnerable conditions.

The Vice Minister emphasized, he was with him in the past. During the independence struggle, he lived in an unworthy house measuring just 6×9, constructed from stalks of palm leaves, which has now deteriorated. The roof has begun to rust, and there are holes, allowing rain to enter. It was difficult for him to stay inside.”

“I’ve been with him for a long time in the past. I could not help him as much as I wanted to. Only the state could support him, and I am delighted. As long as I come here today, the beneficiary is Alex, actually. I was with him for a long period. I believe he truly deserves this house.” Said the Vice Minister.

During the war, Alexandrino was a relay for information. The Indonesian military captured and severely tortured him. He was also detained in Alas, and his wife was subjected to various human rights violations by the Indonesian military.

The Vice Minister emphasized that the house being handed to Alexandrino is a special gift for him and his family. It is special as the ceremony is being held in conjunction with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Timor-Leste and the 23rd anniversary of the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence.

Aniceto Guro Berteni Neves, a member of the Board of Administration of Centro Chega!IP, explained that every year, Centro Chega!IP establishes houses for survivors as part of its mission to honor and dignify their contributions to the struggle for independence.

The house, which was given to Alexandrino as part of the recommendation of  Chega!, focused on “Victim Reparations.” The house was constructed in four months. It measures 63m2 and consists of three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, and an outdoor kitchen measuring 7.5m. The total cost was $15,339.35 from the General State Budget, which includes the fees for tradesmen, materials, and food.

Alexandrino expressed his happiness with tears, stating, “I feel delighted to receive this house. My previous house was significantly worse than this one. I thank Chega! for providing me with this house.”

His daily activities include farming and fishing, which he sells in the market to support his family. Alexandrino has three children: one girl and two boys. His eldest son suffers from mental health issues, stays at home, and is unable to work.

From 2021-2025, the Division of Reparation Services (DSR, in Tetum) of Centro Chega! has provided UMbE, known as Uma Memoria ba Esperansa to 23 survivors.

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