(Díli,Bekora) 01-04-2026- In the capital city of Dili under the Bekora-Maufelu bridge, informal economic activity appeared as a solution for Anastacio de Jesus at the age of 67 to sustain his daily life, with limited capital running a small business, but great hope for the future of his children such as selling animal. Although he is advanced in age including risky places when the river falls when he sells, but because of the will to live to work and improve the lives of the family.
Anastacio started his business in 1983, during the Indonesian occupation, before the Becora market opened. At that time, he sold sheep, pigs and chickens. Until now he will continue to sell in the same place, sometimes at night can not return home patience must sleep in a place that is risky for him when the rain falls and he needs to move animals from under the bridge to another place.
According to Anastacio, doing this business although with small economic value but for him there is no other alternative to do, with advanced age can not be forced to do other hard work.
“I sell here because I need to sustain my daily life, although I get a little money but I can help my family,” said Anastacio de Jesus to Media Mudansa journalist at the Maufelu-Bekora bridge recently.
He stressed that the business he does with poor income. Because on some days he can get money, but on other days patience pockets must be empty because luck is not the same, sometimes in a week no one buys animals that he sells under the bridge, so every month he can get only between ten US dollars $ 10 to twenty US dollars $ 20 but for him to sustain his life tomorrow.
“The money I started this business was obtained from the credit of the National Commercial Bank of Timor-Leste (BNCTL). Although the income is small, the profits help my family, build a house and finance the education of my children,” he stressed.
Anastacio has five (5) children composed of four (4) boys and one (1) girl, and all the children are in school, of which three (3) children have graduated from higher education, while the other two (2) are in secondary school and preparing to finish school next year.
Although three (3) children have received a bachelor’s degree but for Anastacio this alone is not enough to change the family’s life, the family’s motivation and prayer for him to continue doing this business.
“In the future I will continue this small business to help sustain the needs of the household and buy food every day. During my business, the biggest problem is that during the rainy season it is difficult because under the bridge must move animals out quickly, and this business continues to be the main source of family life,” he added.
Anastacio originates from Aileu Municipality, Lequidoe Administrative Post, Bereleu District, Bereleu Kraik Village, this life story reflects the perseverance and struggle of the poor in Timor-Leste, who continue to work despite facing various limitations.
Journalist/intern : Serafin dos Reis Jeronim
Editor :Manuel Andrade
