- Publika iha: 09 Dezembro 2024
The Dili Municipality Authority has urged the government to issue regulations to control the practice of communities burying their dead relatives on private properties, to prevent public health risks.

The President of the Dili Municipality Authority, Gregorio Saldanha, said that to regulate cemeteries in the capital, both public and private, the government must establish proper rules.
"In Dili Municipality, there are five public cemeteries, while private burial grounds identified by the Municipality Authority amount to around 30," he said.
He emphasized the need for the government to introduce regulations addressing both public cemeteries and private burial practices at home.
"Communities are burying their deceased in their home property and this poses a potential health risk to those still living," he explained.
He added the proposed regulations could outline procedures for burial, including the depth of graves, site maintenance, and the proper treatment of cemeteries.
"There will be specific guidelines on how burials should be carried out appropriately, ensuring communities comply to prevent arbitrary burial practices in backyards and residential areas," President Saldanha added.
He also suggested providing alternative options for appropriate burial practices and called for the government to prepare the necessary regulations for implementation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Administration, Tomás Cabral, acknowledged the potential public health risks posed by graves located near residential areas.
"So far, we haven’t conducted many evaluations, but I appreciate the initiative taken by the President of the Dili Municipality Authority to propose regulations for cemeteries and private burial practices," Minister Cabral said.