ACT helps improve radio communications in Dili

The ACT government will provide a grant for the installation of essential radio communication facilities in the East Timorese capital, Dili, according to Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.

The government will provide $41,750 for the installation of communication infrastructure for the Dili District administration.

Installation will be undertaken by Connect East Timor, a project of Palms Australia. The campaign seeks to establish solar-powered two-way radio systems linking all villages and towns in East Timor.

The government-funded Dili Radio Communications Project will create radio communications between the Dili District administration office, the island of Atauro and three municipal service depots in the Dili District.

Connect East Timor will also look at training local operators and hopes to negotiate an agreement with the Dili Radio Workshop for maintenance of the equipment for five years.

In addition to the financial component of the grant, the ACT Emergency Services Agency has made an in-kind contribution to the project of some surplus equipment which will be installed in the offices and vehicles of the Dili District administration.