WASHINGTON D.C., April 27, 2017 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved today a US$35.2 million credit to expand a transformational transport project in Timor-Leste that is helping travel between the North and the South of the country become safer, faster and more reliable.
The additional financing for the Timor-Leste Road Climate Resilience Project will support the improvement of drainage and pavement along the 22.6 kilometers of mountainous road from Laulara, south of capital city Dili, to Solerema.
The broader government-led road rehabilitation project encompasses a 110 kilometer corridor that connects three important districts: Dili, Aileu, Ainaro.
“The corridor between Dili and Ainaro is a vital lifeline for more than one third of Timor-Leste,” said Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Representative in Timor Leste. “This investment will make travel on one of the country’s busiest routes safer and more resilient. The project will also help many remote communities reduce transport time and costs as they connect to services and markets.”
Once completed, the Solerema section will join the already-rebuilt road from Dili connecting to the Ainaro Road, which is now under construction. Feasibility studies and detailed designs for potential future road improvements linked to the crucial Dili-Ainaro corridor will also be addressed by the project expansion.
Construction on the Laulara to Solerema section will commence in mid-2018. The road rehabilitation between Solerema and Ainaro is continuing and expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Since 2000, the World Bank has assisted the government of Timor-Leste to rebuild national infrastructure, stabilize the economy and strengthen government institutions.
In 2017, the partnership includes support for improved service delivery in education and nutrition, the construction of climate-resilient roads and transport infrastructure, as well as support for the development of non-oil economic opportunities.
For more information about the World Bank Group’s work in Timor-Leste, please visit: www.worldbank.org/timorleste
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