The COWI Project Director, Mr. Michael Jacobsen and PPIP Team Leader, Mr. Chris Manu completed a mission to Timor Leste from 12th August 2022 to 19th August 2022. This mission coincided with the mission of the EIB Representative to the Pacific, Mr. Benoit Cambier.
The objectives of the mission were to (i) dialogue with key stakeholders on the selected potential investment projects in the solid waste management, water supply and sanitation and forestry sectors; with particular focus on water supply and sanitation investment projects given the challenges identified during the March mission (ii) participate in the third Project Steering Committee Meeting (iii) review the project status and future planned activities with the Project Coordinator, Mr Kassius Klei Ximenes, the EIB representative Mr. Benoit Cambier and the PPIP team.
Mr. Michael Jacobsen, Mr. Benoit Cambier and Mr. Chris Manu met with the Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Planning and Territory, H.E. Mr. Jose Maria dos Reis; Vice Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Abilio Xavier de Araujo and the Vice Minister of Finance, Mr. Antonio Freitas, as well as the President of Bee Timor Leste and President of ANAS to update on project preparation activities and progress on investment projects.
The mission also met with European Union Delegation (EUD) and development partners to discuss interest in collaborating with EIB on project investments.
The key mission findings include:
General
The Ministry of Finance, Mr Rui Gomes emphasised the Government of Timor Leste’s desire to diversify its International Financing Investment portfolio.
The EIB reiterated that its strategic aims are aligned with the EUD regional priorities through close collaboration in support of the Forestry sector.
Solid Waste Management Sector
PPIP TA activities in solid waste management have continued as planned. The team expects to deliver two pre-feasibility study reports by the end of the year. The mission was informed of two key issues, which require a government decision, namely:
- The identification of municipal appointed focal points to work with the PPIP TA team to determine sites for landfill, transfer stations and other solid waste management-related infrastructure.
- The choice between two alternatives for a deposit return scheme, the implementation of which has been agreed upon in principle by the Government.
Water Supply & Sanitation Sector
The PPIP TA team described the analysis of the difference between the studies produced under the Government Master Plans and what will be needed for EIB Financing.
The PPIP TA team recommended providing a “gaps analysis” following EIB feasibility processes to inform the BTL consultant undertaking the detailed design. The decision to include the ESIA/RAP as a part of the PPIP grant work has been deferred by the Third Project Steering Committee meeting until the relevant Government organisations in the water and sanitation sector can convene and decide if this approach is appropriate.
Forestry Sector
The previous Forestry Key Expert Stephen Midgley was interchanged by the new Forestry Key Expert, Mr Joerg Albrecht, who started in May 2022 and was in Timor-Leste on a Mission in June and July 2022.
The mission took the opportunity to speak with Mr. Ramon Reigada, Ms. Doerthe Wacker, and Mr. Severin Mellac from EUD and agreed to close cooperation between the EUD, EIB and the PPIP TA.
List of meetings and site visits conducted:
| Institution | Date | Purpose | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Delegation | 15/08/2022 | Introductory meeting | EUD Office Palm Business Center |
| Ministry of Public Works, BTL, ANAS | 15/08/2022 | Introductory meeting | Ministry of Public Works |
| Ministry of Planning and Territory | 16/08/2022 | Introductory Meeting with the Vice Prime Minister/ Minister of Planning and Territory; Jose Maria Dos Reis/ PPIP GoTL Coordinator Kassius Klei Ximenes | Office of the Vice Prime Minister |
| Ministry of Finance | 16/08/2022 | Introductory meeting with the Vice Minister of Finance, Antonio Freitas | Ministry of Finance |
| Bee Timor Leste | 17/08/2022 | Introductory meeting with the president BTL, Carlos dos Reis | Office of the President BTL |
| MPO | 17/08/2022 | Dinner with Kassius Klei Ximenes (as he will be travelling to Baucau) | Restaurant – Tito’s |
| Ministry of State Administration | 18/08/2022 | Introductory meeting with the Director General MSA (Minister MSA unavailable) | MSA |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries | 18/08/2022 | Introductory meeting with the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Abilio Xavier de Araujo (Minister and DG Raimundo Maus in Kupang, Indonesia) | MAP, Comoro |
| Mission Dinner | 18/08/2022 | Mission dinner with COWI team, Benoit Cambier, and MPO (represented by Joao Jeronimo Pereira) | Aroma Cafe |
| Benoit Cambier | 19/08/2022 | Debriefing | Hotel Timor |