The World Bank has announced the approval of $121 million in funding for the Kyrgyz Republic's Water Supply and Sanitation Universal Access Program's first phase. The project also receives co-financing from international partners, including a $50 million credit from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a $20 million credit from the OPEC Fund, a $9 million grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and a $3.75 million grant from AIIB. This initiative is part of a larger $400 million program aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the Kyrgyz Republic over the next ten years.
Hugh Riddell, World Bank Group Country Manager, emphasized the significance of the program: "The World Bank is a long-standing partner of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in supporting its vision of universal access to potable water and improved sanitation, aligned with its National Development Strategy." He noted the program's goal to provide "access to clean water and sanitation to one million Kyrgyz citizens."
The inaugural phase targets enhancing living conditions for over 450,000 people across 126 rural areas in the Chui, Issyk-Kul, and Osh regions. It plans to offer piped water access to households and improved sanitation facilities for approximately 19,000 vulnerable individuals. In addition, sanitation and hygiene upgrades in schools and public institutions are expected to benefit around 115,000 people, mostly children.
Odete Duarte Muximpua, the project's Task Team Leader and Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the collaboration with global partners: “This program exemplifies the power of collaboration, as key international partners come together to support the Kyrgyz Government in implementing its transformative development initiative."
The initiative focuses on three areas:
1. Water Supply Investments will cover construction and upgrading of water systems with emphasis on energy-efficient and resilient infrastructure.
2. Sanitation Development aims to enhance sanitation access in vulnerable communities, including schools and health centers.
3. The Performance-Based Service Improvement Program will promote efficient and quality water supply services, alongside vocational training for workforce development, with an emphasis on gender equality.
The International Development Association (IDA) is financing this initial phase, with implementation by the Ministry of Water Resources' State Institution of Drinking Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal, adhering to international standards.
The World Bank Group's mission involves ending extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the Bank currently manages 23 projects across various sectors, with a total commitment of $1.2 billion.