National Member of ParliamentMP Eladio Faculto demanded from the President of National Parliament and from the government about the plans for the new building of new National Parliament given the existing one if already inadequate.
MP Faculto said the workload of the National Parliament (NP) is increasing annually but the facilities remain limited.
“The National Parliament cannot continue operating under such conditions. Currently the parliamentary commission are housed in temporary housing,” said MP Faculto at the National Parliament, in Dili.
The MP added the is not after luxury that just the required facilities so they can do perform their duties.
He added also that at times during commission meetings, there isn’t enough room for all government members so some remain outside.
PM Faculto recalled that during the time of the third legislature,a team from the National Parliament coordinated with the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic to undertake a viability study for a new building for the National Parliament but so far nothing has eventuated.
In response to the concern the Deputy President of the National Parliament MP Aderito Hugo said the government has already identified a site in Bairo-Pite (ex-Lanud), in Dili, where the new National Parliament will be built.
“It is close to Presidential Palace and this is where the new national parliament will be built. The process is underway,” said Deputy President Hugo.
He added that regarding the construction designs, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste worked with the Republic’s Assembly of Portugal to ensure the quality of the building.
“We want one that can accommodate the long term needs of the National Parliament,” said the Deputy President.
He said also that the process is currently underway and that when the design is ready the government will allocate the funds for its construction.
