The Secretary of State for Environment SE Nominando Soares Martins said he will allocated $500,000 in 2015 to build crocodile holding facilities in Hera (Dili District), in Lospalos (Lauten District) and in Same (Manufahi District).
SE Soares Martin Buras said his office wanted to build the crocodile facilities in 2014 but designs and BOQ’s were late.
“We now have the design and we have allocated $500,000 to build the crocodile holding facilities.”
The three districts we identified as a priority for the crocodile facilities because they are where most crocodile attacks on humans have taken place.
The funds will be used build the holding facilities but also to ensure the crocodile program is sustainable.
Member of the National Parliament MP Aurelio Freitas Ribeiro said he was confused because funds were already allocated in the 2014 General State Budget for the construction of the crocodile facilities.
“We are wondering what has been done, because crocodiles continue to bite people,” said MP Ribeiro.
Meanwhile resident Jeremias da Silva said the idea of collecting and holding crocodiles that attack people is good.
He encouraged working with the community to catch the crocodiles effectively and that communication with the traditional leaders is done adequately so they can given their feedback and the program is a success.
“I think that in addition to holding crocodiles, these facilities can also be visited by tourists,” said da Silva.
“But we need to communicate this properly to our traditional leaders because of our culture. The crocodile is our grandfather.”
