OREANDA-NEWS. On April 21, 2009 The World Bank approved the equivalent of US10 million in financing to support water supply and sanitation efforts in the Kyrgyz Republic, reported the press-centre of World Bank.

The Second Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is targeted at improving access to potable water in the participating communities and at improving hygiene and sanitation in rural areas and will reduce the number of waterborne diseases in project communities.
 
“Improving the access to water for people in the Kyrgyz Republic means that people in rural areas – particularly mothers --  can spend less time worrying about their water supply and more time supporting their families,” says Roger Robinson, Country Manager for Kyrgyz Republic. “This project is going to help improve living standards, and ultimately improve the health of people in rural areas.”
 
The project will improve the condition of rural water infrastructure and equipment, by fixing or expanding existing water supply systems and will also provide technical assistance in water systems maintenance. Sanitation and hygiene will also be promoted including the importance of sanitary latrine construction and the project will develop capacity in the Kyrgyz Government in order that they can better manage rural water systems.
 
The project will be financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the arm of the World Bank which supports the world’s poorest countries. US5.5 Million Equivalent will be in the form of an IDA Credit, repayable over 40 years with a 10 year grace period, while US4.5 Million Equivalent will be an IDA grant.