The World Bank has agreed to contribute $211.5 million toward a $235 million water and drainage project in Yemen. The remaining $23.5 million will be funded by the Yemeni government, reported the official SABA news agency. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in July.
The World Bank’s funds will establish a drinking water network for the nation’s capital Sanaa that will span over the cities of Taez, Houdaida and Mukalla. The second phase of construction will see the development of drinking water and drainage systems in 10 more additional towns throughout the country.
The World Bank is Yemen’s largest donor, followed by the Netherlands, Japan and Germany. The Bank supports public sector management, diversified private investment attraction, water management and poverty-oriented social sector improvements in the republic. The World Bank is almost alone in helping improve Yemen's public sector management.
Various agricultural projects now being implemented in the rural areas of Lahj, Abyan, Shabwa and Hadhramaut are 54 percent financed by the World Bank, with one billion dollars allocated to financing development schemes until 2005, reported Yemen Times. Two million dollars of World Bank funds are directed to road and dam construction as well as job creation annually. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
