DILI, 04 july 2022 (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State for Art and Culture (SoSAC) and Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, today, discussed the laying of the foundation stone of the National Library which is scheduled to take place on july 19.
The foundation stone of the 18-month construction project would be launched by the Prime Minister himself.
The Secretary of State for Art and Culture (SoSA), Teófilo Caldas said the Government of Timor-Leste has secured a location in the center of Dili (Hudi-Laran) with 2.5 hectares, where the National Library will be developed.
“The construction of this library is financed by the Eni Australia B.V, totaling US$10 million. The tender process for the construction project has reached 90%,” Caldas told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, at the Place of the Government.
The National Library of Timor-Leste is considered one of the national priorities in the Cultural Sector.
According to the National Library of Timor-Leste Country Report said that within the framework of this joint project, it has been decided that the ENI would be responsible for all infrastructure development, including furniture and IT, whereas the Government of Timor-Leste is responsible for land acquisition, policy development, acquisition, and management of library collections and hiring and training of staff.
The Report said that following an agreement between Government and the ENI Australia B.V exploring the Timor Sea, in 2007, a decision was made that a National Library would be developed as a major cultural investment
The National Library will be sustainable, accessible to all, providing space for learning, leisure, and recreation and supporting the creation of a knowledge-based society, respecting the past, looking to the future, and helping develop the nation’s cultural identity.
The State Secretariat of Arts and Culture has developed some key policy documents, provided training opportunities to the existing staff, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Library of Portugal, which will provide support in terms of building a library collection and training of staff.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
