The ILO has worked with the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) over several years and in the early nineties had a series of technical assistance projects concerned with developing the institutional capacity of the department.

In 2001, ASIST AP provided consultancy at the request of ADB to work on the preparation of a rural infrastructure development project. These input were related to issues of increased effectiveness of labour based methods, the use of local materials and aspects of improved working conditions.

During a mission in April 2002, ASIST-AP assessed the possibilities for employment generation through the DFID Chars Livelihoods Programme. Also, collaborations with the Local Government Engineering Department, the Roads and Highways Department and the Ministry of Public Works were explored.