The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) plans to implement a pre-qualification scheme for national and international companies awarded tenders for building projects within Timor-Leste. 
The Secretary of State of Public Works (SEOP) Luis Vaz Rodrigues says pre-qualification would enable the government to check companies’ credentials.
“For instance, it’s to find out where the company is based, whether or not it has facilities to do the works and how much money the company has in the bank,” said Rodrigues, in Mandarin, Dili.
He said that the pre-qualification scheme had been planned for a long time was only now being implemented.
The system will involve the National Laboratory which will test materials used within projects and will also make field inquiries.
“We should follow the laboratory processes which should have a database so the consultant will design projects based on information in the data base” Rodrigues said.
National Laboratory director (LabNas) Saturnino Gomes says some companies tested their materials in the laboratory but some did not.
He said pre-qualification would require all companies to have materials tested at LabNas, allowing them to ensure works carried out would be of good quality.
Director Gomes compared the work of LabNas to Australia’s National Laboratory which carries out similar works.
President of Commission E (infrastructure, transport and communication affairs) MP Pedro da Costa called for more money to be allocated to the MOP laboratory under the General State Budget (OJE) 2014 to ensure the quality of its work and facilities.
