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New ferry may help farmers get produce to market quicker,
10 November 2006
A new 50-metre steel ferry boat capable of carrying up to 300
passengers and 170 tonnes of cargo will soon be sailing around
the coast of Timor-Leste bringing new wealth and opportunities
to our people.
The Prime Minister Dr José Ramos-Horta said today the
ferry, a gift from the people of Germany, has the potential to
help remote coastal communities become more efficient in getting
produce to markets more quickly. It will also provide another
cost-efficient means of transport in delivering goods - including
food and building materials - to remote areas.
"While I was hoping that the ferry would be operating before
Christmas, delays at the boat building company PT PAL Indonesia
mean that it will now not be in service until the New Year,"
Dr Ramos-Horta said. "While this is disappointing I am confident
the new boat will play a major role in the development of Timor-Leste's
coastal and rural areas."
The Nakroma will also help open up some of Timor-Leste's magnificent
coastal and beach areas to visitors. The Prime Minister believes
many people - from Timor-Leste as well as other countries like
Australia and Indonesia - will take advantage of the boat to travel
around the country.
"As they visit places like Oecussi, Ata Uro, Com and Bacau
they will bring investment and wealth to our communities. People
from Darwin in Australia could start to holiday around our magnificent
island," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
The Nakroma will carry 20 first class passengers and 280 passengers
in economy. The boat's route has not yet been finalized but this
vessel is capable of traveling between Timor-Leste and Darwin
and Bali.
"I am determined that the boat will be delivered to Timor-Leste
in first class condition as agreed in the contract so I am going
to have a third country - possibly Singapore, South Korea, Germany
or Australia - conduct the final sea-trials and pre-delivery inspections,"
Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"Once the Nakroma is completed and delivered to Timor-Leste
the Government will decide on routes that will bring the most
benefit to all of us. Government officials will travel to regional
areas to discuss these matters with local communities to ensure
the ferry delivers the best possible benefits.
"On behalf of Timor-Leste I say a special thank you to the
people of Germany for making this possible."
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