December 26, 2008

East Timor Program Records 302 Land Claims

The USAID-funded Strengthening Property Rights in Timor-Leste (SPRTL) project, which is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Associates in Rural Development, Inc. (ARD), working with the East Timor National Directorate for Land and Property (DNTPSC), has already collected 302 land claims in 2 pilot areas in Liquica and Manatuto districts. ACDI/VOCA, under a subcontract with ARD, implements the program, known locally as Ita Nia Rai (“Our Land”), which supports the East Timorese government in strengthening property rights and resolving conflicts.

Land titling is a key element of economic development and security in any country. In East Timor, a country that gained independence only in 2002, conflicts over property rights and land tenure have been a major cause of civil unrest.

One of the first to make a land claim was Madalena Soares da Silva, a widow from the Ma'abat area of Manatuto District. Da Silva said, “I feel happy that I have made my claim because in the future the government will give me a title to my land. I agreed on my boundaries with my neighbors, and we didn’t have any problems.”

There were few disputes over boundaries in the pilot areas and the communities were interested in participating. Project Specialist David Alves Lopes said, “Overall, people are just appreciative of the opportunity to make their claim, and they understand that others must also have the same opportunity.”

DNTPSC Director Antonio Verdial said based on the success of the program in the pilot areas, the program will be expanded to Aileu and Baucau.

To learn more about ACDI/VOCA's work in the East Timor, click here.