Timor-Leste: East to South Coast Road Connectivity Project

Sovereign Project | 54326-001

The project will help the Government of Timor-Leste meet its transport sector priorities to enhance connectivity to markets and services and its social and national development agenda, through (i) rehabilitating and upgrading approximately 93.9 kilometers (km) of national road sections of Com-Lautem-Lospalos-Iliomar and four bridges in Lospalos, Tirilolo, and Irabere in the east and the south coast areas of the country, designed for better resilience to climate change and social inclusion; (ii) improving road asset management capacity and systems; and (iii) enhancing awareness of road safety and gender-related issues within the project area. The project supports continuing efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners to help upgrade and sustain the country's national road network.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Fukayama, Takeshi
    Southeast Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Timor-Leste
  • Sector
    • Transport
Project Name East to South Coast Road Connectivity Project
Project Number 54326-001
Country / Economy Timor-Leste
Project Status Proposed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan: East to Southcoast Road Connectivity Project
Concessional ordinary capital resources lending US$ 60.00 million
Loan: East to South Coast Road Connectivity Project
Ordinary capital resources US$ 50.00 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Sector / Subsector

Transport / Road transport (non-urban)

Gender Equity and Mainstreaming Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The project will help the Government of Timor-Leste meet its transport sector priorities to enhance connectivity to markets and services and its social and national development agenda, through (i) rehabilitating and upgrading approximately 93.9 kilometers (km) of national road sections of Com-Lautem-Lospalos-Iliomar and four bridges in Lospalos, Tirilolo, and Irabere in the east and the south coast areas of the country, designed for better resilience to climate change and social inclusion; (ii) improving road asset management capacity and systems; and (iii) enhancing awareness of road safety and gender-related issues within the project area. The project supports continuing efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners to help upgrade and sustain the country's national road network.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

Due to a lack of investment in rehabilitation and maintenance, the road network in Timor-Leste deteriorated during the 25-year conflict that preceded independence in 2002. Deterioration continued even after 2002, and low connectivity and inefficiency in roar sector have constrained the country's efforts to develop. Also, the road sector of Timor-Leste is vulnerable to disasters, including heavy rains, among others, whose impact may have become more severe in recent years due to climate change. ADB has improved over 460 km of the road network mainly in the north coast and the north-south connections in the country. The project will expand ADB support to improve connectivity in the east and south coast areas, which will enhance agriculture and tourism industries in particular and help the government achieve its goal of economic diversification. Moreover, the project will support road asset management program. It will also further help to raise awareness of transport policy makers and road engineers on climate change and disaster resilient design standards and measures in the transport sector.

ADB's engagement over the years has provided a few lessons in designing and implementing road transport projects. One is the importance of maintaining a sustained and reliable institutional capacity. ADB will provide substantial technical assistance to support the MPW's capacity for project management and safeguards compliance.

The proposed project supports Timor-Leste's Strategic Development Plan (SDP), 2011-2030. For infrastructure development, the SDP aimed to rehabilitate and upgrade all existing roads and bridges by 2020. While approximately 50% of the most important national road sections will be rehabilitated and upgraded by the end of 2022, further investments are required. The project is aligned with ADB's country partnership strategy for Timor-Leste, which emphasizes the need for additional infrastructure investment to support inclusive growth and the development of a robust operation and maintenance system for roads._The project is also aligned with four of the operational priorities of ADB's Strategy 2030.

Impact

Communities connected and access to markets improved

Outcome

Road transport connectivity and efficiency improved in the east and south areas of the country

Outputs

National road section rehabilitated and upgraded

Road asset management improved

Awareness of road safety and gender-related issues enhanced

Geographical Location Com, Lautem, Los Palos
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement B
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects The project is classified as category B for the environment. The initial environmental examination (IEE) was prepared by the MPW in accordance with ADB's SPS. A simplified environmental impact statement that is broadly equivalent to an IEE under SPS requirements will be required at a later stage for the government's clearance. The IEE will be disclosed on ADB's website, locally, and by Timor-Leste's environmental impact assessment procedure.
Involuntary Resettlement The project is classified category B for involuntary resettlement following social impact assessment, census of affected households, and preparation of inventory of loss. Resettlement and ethnic group development plans (REGDP) have been disclosed on ADB website and the summary version (project information booklet) in the form leaflets will be disclosed to the affected persons and stakeholders in appropriate languages.
Indigenous Peoples The safeguard categorization is category B for indigenous peoples.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design Stakeholder Communication Strategy/ Action plan and grievance redress mechanism procedure will be prepared. Stakeholder consultations has been conducted as part of safeguards due diligence during project preparation.
During Project Implementation Stakeholder Communication plan will be implemented and monitored throughout project implementation.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services Consulting services packages will be determined during project preparation stage.
Procurement Procurement packages will be determined during project preparation stage.
Responsible ADB Officer Fukayama, Takeshi
Responsible ADB Department Southeast Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Transport and Communications Division, SERD
Executing Agencies
Council for Administration of the Infrastructure Fund
Timetable
Concept Clearance 20 Oct 2021
Fact Finding 21 Jun 2022 to 12 Jul 2022
MRM 01 Dec 2022
Approval -
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 24 Nov 2022

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.


Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.


Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found


Procurement Plan

None currently available.