The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved funding to upgrade road connectivity from Baucau to Viqueque in Timor-Leste.

The total $44m financing for this 58km-long road project comprises $19m of regular loan and $25m of concessional loan.

ADB Timor-Leste country director Paolo Spantigati said: “Currently, it takes ten hours to travel between Dili and Viqueque by bus.

“The existing Baucau to Viqueque national road corridor, essential to Timor-Leste’s economic activities, is generally in poor condition being narrow and mostly unsealed.

“The Baucau to Viqueque Highway Project will open up access to schools, clinics, and other community services.”

ADB is also financing the Dili to Baucau highway upgrade project in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“The Baucau to Viqueque Highway Project will open up access to schools, clinics, and other community services.”

The project will develop a comprehensive strategy and plan for road maintenance, as well as consolidate the maintenance unit under the Ministry of Public Works, Transportation, and Communication.

This Dili-Baucau project is expected to make the roads safer and resilient to climate changes. It will also reduce journey times on the highway and facilitate cargo movement.

After overhaul, the road is expected to encourage economic development of agriculture and tourism oriented districts on Timor-Leste’s southern coast.

ADB is currently supporting the preparation of a national road safety action plan to facilitate all donor-financed projects in Timor-Leste, including road safety awareness campaigns.

Founded in 1966, ADB provides assistance to various projects within the Asian continent.