Former Hali Laran market vendors have accused the government of discrimination after it has failed to move on vendors at the old Comoro market.
Martinho Fernandes was forced to move from Hari Laran to the Taibesi market and said he was upset Comoro vendors were allowed to stay at their marketplace.
He said the Comoro vendors should have been the first to be moved as they were on a major road, while Hari Laran was away from major traffic areas and not as visible to foreign guests.
Luta Hamutuk director Mericio Akara said the government had taken the wrong approach.
“Their approach has been inhumane; if we want guests from overseas we should not be ashamed (for them to see vendors). Many people live in poverty and the best thing we can do for them is create good conditions.”
The Taibesi site was not big enough to accommodate all vendors, Akara said.
“The Dili district administrator talks too much but does not take action,” he said.
Akara said the government had forced vendors to live in squalid conditions like animals.
Former Comoro market Dulce de Jesus said they were planning to move to the Manleu market but there was no space left.
“So we came back here to sell; if we can’t sell, how can we earn money?”
She said she was prepared to move to the Manleu market if the government provided good conditions.
