DILI, 14 september 2021 (TATOLI) – The passengers and drivers expressed contentment after the government decision on lifting lockdown in capital Dili and allow the drivers getting back to work doing what they do best, servicing the transit passengers.
The mini-truck driver, Sabino Soares from Bazartete Administrative Post of Liquica Municipality said after seeing the government decision on lifting the lockdown in Dili was a feeling of relief for him.
“During the two weeks lockdown, as a driver, we couldn’t do anything. I think it’s a big loss for us, including the owner of the cars. Now the road is open and I want to thank the government for that,” Soares told TATOLI in Tasi-Tolu, Dili, after dropping the passengers from Liquica municipality, on friday.
At the same place, Toje Borges another mini-truck driver from Maubara Administrative post informed that he was happy with the government decision on removing lockdown in Dili: “Now, I am carrying bananas fruit, cassava, firewood, and vegetables to be sold at Taibesi market.”
Regina Boavida da Cruz, a passenger from Maubara, who is a student midwife at the Cristal Institute (ICS) said lifting lockdown would help students to go back to face-to-face learning.
“Learning in the class is far better than the online one. This is because the internet in my village is the worst, making it difficult for us to learn all the lessons online. The Powercut happens very often, while my parents can’t afford to buy mobile phone credit for the internet,” she said.
Cruz said her parents have to come to Dili to sell their local products to pay her university fees.
In addition, Paulina Tanu, one of the passengers from Maubara said that: “I am happy to sell my vegetables, banana fruits, papaya fruits, etc.”
Last week, the Director-General of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), Gaspar de Araújo announced during a press conference at the office of MTC, in Dili, on thursday to allow public transport services to be resumed after a two-week suspension.
“The public transports (microlites, taxis, buses, and mini truck) services are resumed to facilitate the movement of the people from Dili to municipalities and vice versa. However, passengers and drivers must present to the authorities their Covid-19 vaccine card to prove that they are fully vaccinated,” Araújo added.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
