World Bank Funds $7.64 Million for Kyrgyzstan Water Supply and Sanitation
The International Development Association (IDA) will be providing Kyrgyzstan with $7.64 million in additional financing for the Sustainable Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. The Committee on Agrarian Policy, Water Resources, Ecology and Regional Development of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved the receipt of these funds in the first reading.
The initial project amount was $71.2 million, with the goal of providing 93 villages with drinking water. Almazbek Sokeyev, the Director of the Water Resources Service, informed the deputies that work had already been completed in 63 villages, it is ongoing in 11, and design and estimate documentation is being prepared for the remaining villages.
The $7.64 million will be used to build new and rehabilitate existing drinking water supply and sanitation systems, improve sanitary conditions, and install local treatment facilities in Chui, Osh, and Issyk-Kul regions. Additionally, households that install shower cabins in their homes will receive sewerage systems and incentive grants ranging from $100 to $300.
The financing from IDA will be provided over 50 years with a ten-year deferment of payments at a zero interest rate. However, during the consideration of the bill, a dispute arose between MPs and members of the Cabinet. MP Alisher Erbaev mentioned that the documents were classified, while members of the Cabinet stated that the project was classified during negotiations with IDA. After lengthy debates, the majority of MPs ultimately passed the document in the first reading.
