Manila, Philippines, December 16, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Timor-Leste have signed a loan agreement of $75 million and a grant of $3 million to rehabilitate an important segment of the national road connecting the eastern region to the southern coast. This financing will improve road connectivity and commerce while expanding local participation and building resilience.
The grant comes from ADB’s Community Resilience Partnership Program and is financed by the French Development Agency, the Government of Ireland, the Green Climate Fund, the Nordic Development Fund, and the Government of the United Kingdom. It will assist vulnerable villages along the road corridor exposed to extreme climate events, combining design and implementation of small-scale adaptation investments tailored to local conditions to reduce the impact of natural disasters such as flooding.
“This project will strengthen the capacity of communities and national agencies to develop, implement, and maintain resilient infrastructure,” said ADB Director in Timor-Leste, Estefania Dina.
The Director explained that the project will support the development of national standards and provide technical guidance to integrate green infrastructure solutions (nature-based solutions) with traditional grey infrastructure, including roads, bridges, drainage channels, culverts, and other transport investments.
“Building community resilience is essential to protect lives and livelihoods against disasters and climate events. This project will empower local communities to lead the development of sustainable and adaptive solutions that protect critical infrastructure and support inclusive development,” said the ADB Director in Timor-Leste.
The Director added that the project will upgrade existing bridges and resolve flood-related interruptions, using innovative engineering and nature-based solutions to enhance disaster resilience.
Key components of the project include improved drainage systems, reinforced embankments, climate-adaptive asphalt, and bioengineering techniques on slopes to reduce landslide risks. These improvements will enhance road safety, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring smooth travel and stronger regional connectivity.
ADB further explained that as a multilateral development bank, it supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region. It works with its members and partners to address complex challenges using innovative financing and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build high-quality infrastructure, and protect the planet. Established in 1966, ADB currently has 69 member countries, 50 of which are in the Asia-Pacific region.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: ADB Media