03.08.2009, 10:19
WB Approved Irrigation Infrastructure Emergency Project for Armenia
OREANDA-NEWS. July 31, 2009. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the Irrigation Rehabilitation Emergency Project (IREP) for Armenia in the amount of US30 million. The project will be financed through a loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The Bank prepared this emergency operation very quickly to help support the Government’s economic stimulus program and offset the negative impact of the global economic crisis, reported the press-centre of World Bank.
The Project supports two objectives: (i) improving water use efficiency in two selected irrigation schemes in Armavir and Talin subregions; and (ii) fostering immediate rural employment. These are to be achieved by civil works to rehabilitate irrigation canals which will reduce water losses, and strengthening the institutions managing the irrigation infrastructure. The IREP strongly build upon previous projects in this sector, through World Bank and other donor financed - projects.
“Creating jobs and boosting incomes, particularly in rural areas where most of the poor live, is critical in the current crisis environment,” said Mr. Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus. “What is important about this Project is that this is done in a way that will also help improve long-term growth and productivity in agriculture.”
“This Project will also strengthen the sustainability of progress made in the irrigation sector,” added Mr. Giuseppe Fantozzi, Task Team Leader for the Project. “It will strengthen the institutions that are particularly relevant for the ongoing reforms, especially through training Water User Associations and piloting a Water Users Federation.”
The Project will provide funds for the rehabilitation of almost 84 km of the main canals in Armavir and Talin subregions, that will reduce losses up to 70 thousand cubic meters of water and will help bring irrigation back to about 7,300 ha of land. By the time the Project is completed, around 39,000 water users will directly benefit from the rehabilitation works. The beneficiaries are spread over 73 communities. The Project will contribute to the creation of almost 9,000 person months of employment. While this will be temporary in nature, it will have a significant impact on mitigating the effects of the economic downturn on underemployed farmers and return migrants in the regions where the construction activities will take place.
The IBRD Flexible Loan has 27 years of maturity with 5 years grace period. Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993, commitments to Armenia total approximately US1,277 million.
The Project supports two objectives: (i) improving water use efficiency in two selected irrigation schemes in Armavir and Talin subregions; and (ii) fostering immediate rural employment. These are to be achieved by civil works to rehabilitate irrigation canals which will reduce water losses, and strengthening the institutions managing the irrigation infrastructure. The IREP strongly build upon previous projects in this sector, through World Bank and other donor financed - projects.
“Creating jobs and boosting incomes, particularly in rural areas where most of the poor live, is critical in the current crisis environment,” said Mr. Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus. “What is important about this Project is that this is done in a way that will also help improve long-term growth and productivity in agriculture.”
“This Project will also strengthen the sustainability of progress made in the irrigation sector,” added Mr. Giuseppe Fantozzi, Task Team Leader for the Project. “It will strengthen the institutions that are particularly relevant for the ongoing reforms, especially through training Water User Associations and piloting a Water Users Federation.”
The Project will provide funds for the rehabilitation of almost 84 km of the main canals in Armavir and Talin subregions, that will reduce losses up to 70 thousand cubic meters of water and will help bring irrigation back to about 7,300 ha of land. By the time the Project is completed, around 39,000 water users will directly benefit from the rehabilitation works. The beneficiaries are spread over 73 communities. The Project will contribute to the creation of almost 9,000 person months of employment. While this will be temporary in nature, it will have a significant impact on mitigating the effects of the economic downturn on underemployed farmers and return migrants in the regions where the construction activities will take place.
The IBRD Flexible Loan has 27 years of maturity with 5 years grace period. Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993, commitments to Armenia total approximately US1,277 million.
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