 The World Bank has cofinanced projects in alliance with government, communities and other key partners. The following are some examples where assistance has resulted in a positive impact on the ground.
Caracas Slum Upgrading Project
The Caracas Slum Upgrading Project helped improve the quality of life of at least 115,000 inhabitants which represents a 97.4% of the population of a selected number of barrios (Petare Norte, La Vega and Vargas) in the Metropolitan Area of Caracas through the development and implementation of a community driven, sustainable and replicable infrastructure improvement program. More specifically, the Project helped improve the access to water, electricity and sanitary services; contributed to the construction of community centers; and increased the participation of the community. Urban Transport
The Urban Transport Project significantly bolstered the capacity of urban transport institutions in 12 Venezuelan cities. Over 250 professionals from the National Urban Transport Fund, municipalities, and the private sector benefited from training in transport planning and economics, environmental and general management, transportation engineering, procurement, supervision and monitoring, and information systems. Between 1994 and 2001, more than 7,700 bus operators attended courses to develop new skills and refine their knowledge of traffic laws and road safety. Although there is no baseline data on road safety, most participating cities claim there has been a downward trend in accidents and fatalities since project implementation. The improved ability to plan civil works has increased the efficiency of traffic and transport operations. The project helped to carry out 135 civil works covering road rehabilitation, additional signage and bus stops, repaving, maintenance, and rationalization of bus routes. As a result, traffic congestion diminished and peripheral urban areas gained access to transportation services. Since poor people are the main users of public transportation, expanding access to peripheral urban areas is an effective tool for poverty alleviation. Health
The Endemic Disease Control Project helped to control malaria and other endemic diseases such as Chagas, dengue, yellow fever, leprosy, and leishmaniasis. The project lowered the incidence and impact of endemic diseases, and strengthened the institutions which are responsible for their control. Currently, Venezuela is better prepared to apply modern technology to control and treat these causes of ill health thanks to expanded training and the creation of research, diagnostic, and field support facilities. Between 1996 and 2000, the project saved an estimated 11,500 lives, prevented 500,000 illnesses, and treated about 3.5 million non-lethal infections. Under the project, the Malaria Directorate was able to control malaria in approximately 408 square kilometers where the disease is endemic (this represents close to 70 percent of the country's land mass). The number of deaths due to malaria dropped from 25 per year in 1995 to 7 in 1999, while the number of cases decreased from 22,056 to 21,685. In the state of BolÃvar, the time from onset of symptoms to treatment was cut by 33 percent, diminishing the prevalence and possibility of transmission. A significant decline in mortality due to dengue was also achieved between 1995 and 1999. In 1995, dengue took the lives of 65 people. By 1999, the number of deaths dropped to 15, and the number of cases decreased from 32,280 to 26,602. Strengthened control activities also moved Venezuela into the elimination phase of leprosy, according to Pan American Health Organization standards. Improvements in detection and treatment decreased the number of children affected and people incapacitated by the ailment. Learn more about how the World Bank measures results |
RSS