MANILA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Wednesday that it has approved a 4-million-U.S.-dollar grant to improve road transport connectivity and boost resilience in Ermera, a remote and underserved region of Timor-Leste.

The grant provided through the Asian Development Fund will enhance a critical 11-kilometer road corridor connecting rural communities to markets and essential services, while safeguarding infrastructure from climate risks, the Manila-based bank said.

"Timor-Leste's development progress is facing growing risks from extreme weather," said ADB Country Director for Timor-Leste Stefania Dina.

"This project empowers rural communities to stay connected to markets, essential services, and livelihoods. By enhancing the government's capacity to plan and maintain climate-resilient infrastructure, we are paving the way for a safer and more resilient Ermera," said Dina. ■