Timor-Leste’s National Laboratory contributed $84,000 to state coffers in 2015, according to Director Saturnino Gomes.
He said it was a significant increase compared to 2014 when the NasLab generated just $30,000 in revenue.
“We have good management and have made progress every year,” said Gomes.
More than 100 national and international companies requested testing services in 2015.
He said the laboratory tested materials such as concrete, steel, asphalt and soil.
Although some companies had their own private laboratories, Gomes said they often requested verification testing at the NasLab.
MP Albina Marçal acknowledged the contribution made by theNational Laboratory and said it continued to make good progress.
“We appreciate it, even if it is a small directorate, but they are able to raise some state revenue,” she said.
Marçal urged the Ministry of Public Work, Transport and Communication to pay close attention to some of the challenges faced by the laboratory.
She also called for better training, equipment and facilities.
Meanwhile, Dili resident Marçal Fernandes said although the technical team at the National Laboratory were working well, services still needed improving.
He also called for the laboratory needed to be more involved in testing procedures as many projects were still going ahead without any checks or controls.
