MED: mini markets in Bidau are being used for private interests

The Mini markets built in Bidau Santana by the Ministry for Economy and Development (MED) were supposed to be rented out to local fishermen to sell their fish, however they are being used instead to sell produce which is imported from overseas.

“Currently he is renting the premises for his private interests,” said Francisco Assis Freitas Chefe de Suco at Bidau Santana, in Bidau, Dili.

The mini markets were part of the Pakote Referendum (Referendum Package-PR), but to date the facilities have yet to be handed over to local communities and suddenly the MED has placed refrigerators in the premises. 
“Fish is being imported  by this gentleman from overseas but what happens to it afterwards, no one really knows,” said the Chefe de Suco.

Apolinário Rodrigues a security guard at the mini markets says the facilities were suppose to be used by the fishermen to sell their produce, but they preferred selling it by the roadside. 
“Only we sell the fish here, but only on this side,” said the security guard.

Fishmonger Luis da Silva said they have not started selling their fish from the premises because they had yet received, authorisation by Government to do so.

“We heard only one person sells fish there, but we don’t know whether he has been authorized to do so,” said Da Silva.
The fish sellers are ready to sell their fish at the facilities once authorized by the relevant entities.