MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Timor-Leste have signed a $75 million loan and a $3 million grant agreements to rehabilitate a vital segment of the national road network connecting the country's eastern region to the southern coast. The financing will boost road connectivity and trade while fostering local participation in resilience building.

The grant, provided under the ADB Community Resilience Partnership Program, is financed by the Agence Francaise de Developpement, the Government of Ireland, the Green Climate Fund, the Nordic Development Fund, and the Government of the United Kingdom. It will help villages along the road corridor that are vulnerable to extreme weather events co-lead the design and implementation of locally relevant, small-scale adaptation investments to reduce the impacts of natural hazards like floods. It will also strengthen the capacity of communities and national agencies to design, implement and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support the development of national standards and guidelines for integrating community-level green and gray infrastructure into transport investments.

"Building community resilience is essential to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of disasters and climate events," said ADB Country Director for Timor-Leste Stefania Dina. "This project will empower local communities to take the lead in developing sustainable, adaptive solutions that protect critical infrastructure and support inclusive development."

The project will restore deteriorated bridges and address flood-related disruptions using innovative engineering and nature-based solutions to enhance disaster resilience. Key upgrades include improved drainage systems, elevated embankments, natural hazard-adapted asphalt, and bioengineered slopes to reduce landslide risks. These improvements will boost road safety, reliability, and efficiency-ensuring smoother travel and stronger regional connectivity.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-50 from the region.