WORLD BANK STATEMENT ON MUNICIPAL SERVICES PROJECT IN ROMANIA

Contacts:  In Bucharest: Iolanda Staniloiu (40 21) 201 03 24
Istaniloiu@worldbank.org
In Washington: Kristyn Schrader  +1-202-458-2736
Kschrader@worldbank.org

 

BUCHAREST, April 10, 2009 - In response to requests for information, the World Bank would like to provide additional background on the Municipal Services Project co-financed by the Municipality of Bucharest and the World Bank.

In 2006, the Municipality of Bucharest and the World Bank agreed to carry-out urban infrastructure improvements on publicly-owned land in several neighborhoods of Bucharest, including in the Baneasa area.   Following questions regarding the ownership of the land in the Banesa area, on which some of these improvements are to take place, the World Bank has sought clarification from the Municipality of Bucharest on the land ownership situation.  A response by the Municipality is expected by April 24, 2009. 

The Municipal Services Project assists Romania to meet European Union environmental directives in the water and wastewater sector, by improving the quality and coverage of water and wastewater services. The project has three components:

• Component 1: urban services in Bucharest municipality, which will include provision of urban services – water, sewerage, drainage, and road surfacing – in priority neighborhoods (Straulesti, Giulesti Sarbi, Vatra Noua and Baneasa);
• Component 2: urban services in Arad municipality, which will include provision of urban services – sewerage, drainage, and road surfacing – in priority neighborhoods; and
• Component 3: consulting services to prepare investment master plans, and EU grant applications for water and wastewater projects in 11 counties.

The Municipal Services project, amounting to a total of Euro 159 million, is co-financed by the World Bank with Euro 106 million.

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Romania, please visit:
www.worldbank.org/ro