There are calls for the urgent construction of a new retaining wall in Gisu suku (village), in Maubara administrative post, Liquisa Municipality, in response to flooding that washed away fertile soil during recent heavy rains.
National MP Maria Lurdes Bessa called on the Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Communication (MPWTC) to address the issues and that each year flood waters caused serious damage to fertile land, barriers and irrigation structures along the river edge.
“Many of the communities’ farms were destroyed and they are afraid that it also will destroy houses if the government does not take action,” she said.
Up to seven sub-villages were affected by the flooding in Gisu suku.
She also acknowledged that the government had constructed the retaining wall a few years ago, but it had been destroyed due to poor quality.
In response to the concerns, the Minister of Public Works, Transport, and Communication (MPWTC), Gastão Sousa, said Gisu suku was not the only area impacted by flooding, with Natarbora, Manatuto municipality, also affected.
He said, the government had not yet decided whether a new retaining wall would be constructed as this would be costly and not necessarily resolve the issue of flooding in the area.
“We can construct it (the wall), but (first) we should consider the threats,” he said.
