World Bank approves US$119M Serbian infrastructure funding
The Washington DC based World Bank Group has, on Friday 2nd November 2017, approved a US$119 million (~€100 million) programme of loans and credits to support Serbia, an EU Candidate Country since 2012, improve the management and sustainability of its public infrastructure, and in particular its transport and energy sectors.The Enhancing Infrastructure Efficiency and Sustainability Program, will focus on supporting efforts to modernise the way road maintenance is managed through the introduction of performance based road maintenance for better over 8,000 kilometers of roads, a vital Western Balkans transport route.The energy component supports the Serbian government’s Program for Reconstruction and Improvement of State-Owned Public Facilities by improving energy efficiency and safety in 234 public buildings throughout Serbia, and strengthening the management and technical capacity of the program.The renovated buildings - which will include hospitals and clinics, schools and kindergartens, and other social facilities - will have lower energy bills, improved building conditions (such as better lighting and heating), extended operational lifetimes, and enhanced safety measures (e.g. structural improvements and fire protection).
“Serbia is at the cross-roads of South East Europe and improving its road network is expected to be a major contributor to continued economic growth, not only in Serbia, but also in the region,” said Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Country Manager for Serbia. “This operation will ensure the preservation of the road network and as well as all for substantial implementation of modern maintenance approaches in Serbia. In addition, it will improve energy efficiency and safety in renovated public buildings.”
Source: World Bank Group
For more information, please click to download the Enhancing Infrastructure Efficiency and Sustainability Project Programme Initiation Document (English) [external link]
