New Financing Approved for Solid Waste Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contact in BH:

Jasmina Hadžić

(+387-33) 251-502
jhadzic@worldbank.org

WASHINGTOND.C., November 25, 2008 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved financing for the second phase of the Solid Waste Management Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the total amount of US$ 40 million.

Building on the successes of the ongoing Solid Waste Management Project, the second Solid Waste Management Project will continue to expand the services and improve the quality, environmental soundness, and financial viability of solid waste management in the country.

The results of the first phase of the Project were impressive, with six regional landfills established, and about 1.7 million people who will benefit from the project services. Nearly 50 percent of solid waste will be disposed in a sanitary landfill or other environmentally sound manner. Further, a total of 145 wild dump sites were cleaned and closed, greatly reducing environmental and health hazards.

“This project represents the continuation of a successful partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Bank in addressing solid waste management challenges in the country,” said Vesna Francic, World Bank Team Leader for the project. “The project will support construction of 6 – 8 new sanitary landfills by the end of 2014.”

Financing from the World Bank in the amount of US$ 40 million includes a US$15 milllion interest free credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a US$25 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). This is the first IBRD loan to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“By supporting a sustainable solid waste management strategy that meets European quality standards, we hope we are not only helping to improve people’s lives in this country, but also to help accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina in its journey to Europe,” stated Marco Mantovanelli, World Bank Country Manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The World Bank portfolio of active projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina now includes 16 operations worth about US$ 280 million.