The antenna of a former Portuguese radio station site in Markoni, in Dili, badly corroded and damaged over time, represents according to Member of Parliament MP Maria Fernanda Lay a big threat to the local community.
“I have been raising this issue at parliament since the second legislature and urged the government to demolish or disassemble the antenna but so far nothing has been done,” said MP Lay at the National Parliament.
She has concerns because in 2012 another radio antenna fell next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Dili and destroyed three community houses.
“On Sunday another fell in Fatuhadaand the house was destroyed. Fortunately no one died as a result,” she added.
The MP also urged the Secretary to State for Social Communication to ask the fire brigade to cut the antenna down.
MeanwhileMarkoniarea resident, João Pereira, said the antenna poses a real threat to his community in particular given the recent winds that swept the capital causing further damages to the antenna.
“We want the government to bring down the antennas so they don’t end up falling on top of people’s homes,”said resident Pereira.
In relation to these concerns, SE for Social Communications, NelioIsacSarmento, said he would ask his staff to go and assess the situation at the site of the antenna.
“I have not identified whose antenna it is. Maybe it belongs to the telecommunications companies? We are still trying to determine ownership,” said SE Sarmento.
