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WB Finances Rehabilitation Of Armenian Water Infrastructure

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  • WB Finances Rehabilitation Of Armenian Water Infrastructure

    WB FINANCES REHABILITATION OF ARMENIAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

    RIA OREANDA
    Economic News
    November 11, 2008 Tuesday
    Russia

    Washington. OREANDA-NEWS . November 10, 2008. The World Banks Board
    of Directors today approved a US20 million credit for additional
    financing for the Armenia Municipal Water and Wastewater Project
    (MWWP), reported the press-centre of WB.

    The additional financing will support the governments efforts in
    scaling up activities implemented under the ongoing program of water
    system rehabilitation and improvements, including an extension of the
    ongoing management contract between the Armenia Water and Wastewater
    Company (AWSC), the water utility in charge of the project, and an
    international water supply utility operator. Armenia has achieved
    considerable progress in efficiently delivering safe and continuous
    water to its citizens. Reforms in water management supported under
    the Bank-funded Municipal Development, Municipal Water and Wastewater,
    and Yerevan Water and Wastewater Projects have led to improved supply,
    quality, and financial viability of the water utilities.

    The need for additional funding from the Bank to scale up the
    on-going project was anticipated at appraisal of the project and
    the management contract was prepared on the basis of a six year
    program. The additional financing will therefore fund extension of
    the management contract and the remaining investments identified
    earlier. It will contribute towards meeting the huge investment needs
    of the Armenian water supply sector. Citizens across Armenia have long
    awaited improvements in their water supply, said Jonathan Kamkwalala,
    Leader of the World Bank team designing the project. The investment
    program under the on-going project has largely proceeded on track, and
    the repair and rehabilitation program for AWSC water supply systems has
    already resulted in improved water quality and increased availability
    of clean and safe water supply in areas participating in the project.

    He continued As an example, the weighted average daily hours of
    drinking water availability has increased from 6 hours in 2004,
    to 12.2 hours in 2008, while the water safety and quality also
    improved in the same period in the areas where the project has been
    implemented. The institutional and financial performance of AWSC has
    notably improved as a result of the project, however, there remain
    significant investment needs in the sector. Thats why the Bank
    will continue supporting the government in reforming the water and
    wastewater services. The Additional Financing will support three main
    components: (i) AWSC Management Strengthening by providing funding
    for continuation of the management contract for additional two years;
    (ii) AWSC Investments by funding institutional and financial capacity
    building, procurement of equipment and machinery to improve the
    operations of AWSC, rehabilitation and improvement of chemical and
    biological laboratories, and assistance to AWSCs training activities;
    and (iii) Investments in Branch Systems by providing funding for the
    replacement of deteriorated treatment and chlorination equipment;
    procurement and installation of pressure loggers, pipes and fittings,
    and design and civil works for network rehabilitation. Armenia
    joined the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993. Commitments to date
    total approximately US 1.076 billion for 49 operations. The credit
    is provided on hardened IDA terms with a maturity of 20 years, and
    a grace period of 10 years included. Armenia has been in the process
    of graduating from IDA since July 1, 2006.
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