DILI, 26 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry (MALFF) has confirmed plans to distribute 140 fishing boats to fishermen in the municipalities of Manatuto (Natarbora), Covalima (Suai), and Bobonaro (Atabae) by the end of this year.
Acácio Guterres, Director General of Fisheries, stated that the boats are part of the 2024 procurement program and were acquired from two companies: Auto Zone and Serramor.
“Of the total 140 boats, 100 were provided by Auto Zone and 40 by Serramor. The boats are currently stored in the ministry’s warehouse, and our technical team is verifying which fishermen are most in need, as demand has exceeded one thousand,” Guterres told journalist at MALFF’s office in Comoro, Dili, on Monday.
He emphasized that verification is essential to ensure targeted distribution. “All fishermen are seeking assistance, but supplies are limited. Therefore, the technical team must establish priorities before the boats are distributed.”
According to MALFF data, Auto Zone allocated a budget of $744,080 for 100 boats and engines, while Serramor supplied 40 boats valued at $216,000.
Guterres noted that the boat distribution program has been ongoing since 2022, with the ministry having successfully distributed 110 boats to fishermen to date.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
