Timor-Leste to Invest $4 Million in New First Instance Courts Construction

Timor-Leste is planning a $4 million investment to build First Instance Courts in three municipalities: Bobonaro, Ermera, and Viqueque. This initiative was announced by Afonso Carmona, President of the Court of Appeals, who confirmed that the project has received approval from the Infrastructure Fund Administrative Council. The designs for the courts have been completed, and construction is expected to start within 2025.

The project aims to strengthen the judicial system by establishing local courts in these municipalities, improving access to justice for residents. While there have been some technical difficulties and limited communication from technical teams regarding the installation process, the project remains contractually secured and will move forward as planned.

Priority will be given to constructing the courts in Ermera and Maliana first, with Bobonaro and Viqueque to follow. Carmona emphasized the importance of direct site visits to monitor construction progress and ensure the project stays on track. He has already coordinated with technical teams and plans to conduct further visits to the construction sites in Ermera and Bobonaro, as well as Maliana, where a new court installation is also underway.

This investment reflects Timor-Leste’s commitment to expanding its judicial infrastructure and enhancing the delivery of justice at the municipal level. By establishing these courts, the government aims to provide more efficient legal services closer to the communities they serve, reducing delays and improving the overall judicial process.