Timor-Leste (East Timor)
16th November 2016
Funding Approved for the Dili to Baucau Highway Project
The project is consistent with the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2011-2030, which sets a vision to promote economic growth, fast-track economic development, modernise, and diversify the economy by providing the country with a high-quality infrastructure. This Highway investment is one of the key focus areas expected to increase economic activities, enhance productivity and improve access to social services.
Support for road infrastructure remains consistent with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) priority operations in Timor-Leste. The ADB’s country partnership strategy for Timor-Leste for 2016-2020 maintains ADB’s focus on the development and management of infrastructure particularly improving rural transport connectivity to make services more accessible and available outside of the capital city Dili. The need for road construction and rehabilitation in the country remains significant, which the government commits to deliver in partnership with ADB and other development partners.
Opportunity Structure
The project will upgrade and climate-proof 105 kilometres (km) of the national road between the capital, Dili, and the second-largest town, Baucau which is located on the north coast. The government has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to co-finance the proposed project on a parallel basis with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). ADB will support upgrading and climate-proofing 56 km of the road connecting the towns of Manatuto and Baucau, and JICA will support the section between Dili and Manatuto (49 km).
Impact and Outcome
The impact of the project will be increased and more efficient movement of people and goods. The outcome will be a more reliable and safer road network.
Outputs
The outputs of the project will be the (i) upgrading and climate-proofing of 105 km of the national road between Dili and Bacau, (ii) expansion of performance-based maintenance, and (iii) generation of awareness of road safety and transport-related social issues.
Budget
The total budget for this project is US$ 49.65 million to be funded by ADB.
Competitive Scope
It is expected that services in institutional, infrastructure, and transportation development may be procured in the duration of this project.
