Developing institutional capacity is crucial for development effectiveness in Timor-Leste. One area where the project had only partial value addition was in developing institutional capacity through continued training of project staff. Although there were several studies undertaken to develop new institutions, Phase 1 did not have any specific capacity development component and could not be expected to do so since there were no institutions in place at appraisal. Phase 2 had on-the-job training, which was a step in the right direction but not sufficient enough. The PMU provided some training but relied mainly on consultants and continues to do so. Separate capacity-building efforts have been undertaken in Timor-Leste by ADB through separate TA as well as by other development partners, but the country continues to lack skills in project management and technical aspects of infrastructure development.
Emergency Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, Phases 1 and 2