Same, Manufahi, 21 July 2026 – The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”, together with the President of the Manufahi Municipal Authority, Luis Marçal da Costa Tavares, officially launched the construction of the protective perimeter wall for the PDHJ Same Territorial Delegation (DT Same), located in Letefoho Suco, Same Vila Administrative Post.
The construction of the protective wall will be carried out by Boru Mandako Unipessoal, Lda. under Contract No. 13/PDIM-SMA/PAM-MF/VII/2026. According to the contract, the project is scheduled for completion on 31 December 2026, with a total budget of US$78,388.50, funded by the President of the Manufahi Municipal Authority.
In his remarks, Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan” expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the PDHJ Same Territorial Delegation and all PDHJ staff, to the Manufahi Municipal Authority for its support in financing the construction of the protective wall for the PDHJ office.
The Ombudsman noted that the initiative originated during the tenure of the former President of the Municipal Authority, Arantes Isaac, who consistently included PDHJ in the municipality’s development priorities. He recalled that, when municipal offices were located in Luak, PDHJ was also allocated office space there.
He further expressed his satisfaction that the current President of the Municipal Authority has continued the positive initiatives started by his predecessor. According to the Ombudsman, this demonstrates a shared commitment to the development and proper planning of Manufahi Municipality. The Ombudsman said that the support provided by the Manufahi Municipal Authority would serve as a valuable reference for PDHJ in its future engagement with the Government, particularly the Ministry of State Administration (MAE) and other municipalities. He explained that PDHJ currently operates four Territorial Delegations—in Same, Maliana, Baucau, and Oe-Cusse—all of which face similar challenges regarding the lack of protective perimeter walls. He expressed hope that the initiative in Same would encourage other municipalities to provide similar support.
He also called on the contractor to carry out the construction with responsibility, professionalism, and high standards of quality. The Ombudsman emphasized that the construction of the wall is not merely an infrastructure project but also a contribution to nation-building. He stressed that public funds should be reflected in quality work and encouraged Boru Mandako Unipessoal, Lda. to complete the project in accordance with the contract while ensuring that workers receive their wages as stipulated in the agreement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Luis Marçal da Costa Tavares, President of the Manufahi Municipal Authority, stated that the protective wall project was prioritized after carefully considering requests submitted by various municipal institutions. He noted that PDHJ Same Territorial Delegation, together with the Notary Service Delegation, was among the first institutions selected to benefit from the initiative.
He further explained that the investment forms part of the Municipal Authority’s broader commitment to improving public infrastructure for the benefit of all people in Manufahi. As PDHJ provides essential complaint-handling and public services to the local community, it is important to ensure that the institution has adequate infrastructure and working conditions. He also highlighted the strong coordination and cooperation that has existed between PDHJ and the Municipal Authority and expressed his commitment to maintaining this partnership in the future.
Meanwhile, Luis Pereira, Director of Boru Mandako Unipessoal, Lda., encouraged all company workers to carry out the project with dedication and professionalism. He stressed that delivering quality work reflects not only professional responsibility but also a sense of nationalism and pride as sons and daughters of Same and Timor-Leste.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Director of the PDHJ Same Territorial Delegation and staff, the Director of Teras, the Commander of the PNTL Same Municipal Command, local authorities, engineers, and construction workers.
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