Gusmao, the Minister for Strategic Planning and Investment, said the industrial zone land was needed for the new Tibar Port and boosting Timor-Leste’s export market potential

 “I have warned to the secretary state of land and property that he does not have control to give the authorisation to population of Tibar to build houses in that place,” Gusmoa said Wednesday at the opening of construction of Tibar Port.

Xavier has distanced himself from the accusation, saying the Ministry of Land and Property had “no responsibility” over granting housing construction permits.

Bento Correa, the Head of Tibar Village, said people living on the industrial land said it was their entitlement to stay, as it was their ancestral land.

He said of 3985 households in Tibar just ten houses remained on industrial land.