Weekly Lending Roundup

Argentina. A $165 million Bank loan approved July 6 will backArgentina's higher education reform program. The project is designedto raise the quality and efficiency of higher education, whileestablishing a competitive atmosphere among public and privateinstitutions. Contact Ciro Gamarra (202) 473-8721, fax (202) 522-3698.

Bulgaria. The Bank approved a $90 million loan July 6, to helpBulgaria rehabilitate its deteriorating railway system. The projectaims to bring the rail system up to modern safety standards, replaceand maintain key tracks and streamline management. Contact JanPakulski (202) 473-1797, fax (202) 676-0578.

El Salvador. A Bank loan of $65 million approved July 6 will helpEl Salvador restructure its weak and inefficient energy sectorand reform energy regulations. The project will improve servicereliability and expand coverage by rehabilitating, modernizingand expanding power generation and distribution systems. ContactCiro Gamarra (202) 473-8721, fax (202) 522-3698.

Haiti. A $50 million IDA credit approved July 11 will help financebadly needed employment opportunities in Haiti. The project willprovide short term employment to people in extreme poverty andhelp governments, NGOs and local community organizations to manageemployment-intensive, small-scale development projects. ContactCiro Gamarra (202) 473-8721, fax (202) 522-3698.

Honduras. In spite of economic progress over the last two decades,per capita GDP in Honduras remains low. One third of the populationlives in extreme poverty. A $30 million IDA credit approved July11 will boost the government's efforts to alleviate poverty asit works to regain fiscal balance. Contact Ciro Gamarra at (202)473-8721, fax (202) 522-3698.

Fast-growing Bombay, India's largest city, has placed a higherpriority on getting clean water to residents than in ensuringa sanitary sewage system. A Bank loan of $167 million and an IDAcredit of $25 million approved July 6 will back a government sewagedisposal project to remove domestic sewage and industrial wastefrom the city's natural water courses, surface water drains, shoreline and beaches. Contact Paul Mitchell at (202) 458-1423, orfax (202) 477-1245.

The government of Mongolia has launched a national poverty alleviationprogram during the country's economic transition. With help froma $10 million IDA credit approved July 6, the program aims tocreate employment opportunities for the poor, raise enrollmentin basic education, reduce maternal and other mortality and provideassistance to handicapped and mentally retarded children. ContactRachel McColgan-Mohamed at (202) 458-0358, or fax (202) 522-3405.

Nicaragua's economic reforms are bringing down inflation and beginningto spur growth. To help sustain poverty alleviation and socialprotection programs during the difficult reform period, IDA approvedJuly 11 a $30 million credit to help finance a second social investmentfund project. Contact Ciro Gamarra at (202) 473-8721, fax (202)522-3698.

A $2.6 million Bank loan approved July 11 will help finance watershedand environmental management in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia.The loan will aid rehabilitation of the hydraulic infrastructureof watersheds from damage caused by flooding and landslides andwill strengthen environmental and flood preparedness capabilities.Contact Ciro Gamarra at (202) 473-8721, fax (202) 522-3698.

A $100 million IDA credit approved June 29 will help Senegal developits water sector. The government's plan will increase the urbanpoor's access to safe water and adequate and more affordable sanitation.Water shortages are already chronic in the capital city, and sanitationsystems are non-existent in many poor areas.

A second IDA credit of $12.5 approved June 29 aims to spur private-sectorgrowth in Senegal. The credit will help the government launchits strategy to increase competitiveness and efficiency of privateenterprises and improve the legal and regulatory system. ContactEric Chinje at (202) 473-4467, or fax (202) 473-7917.

Sri Lanka. More than a quarter of Sri Lanka's population is concentratedwithin the Columbo Metropolitan Area, which places a severe strainon existing infrastructure. A $39 million IDA credit approvedJune 29 will help improve municipal solid waste management, reducewastewater pollution and develop the capabilities of local governmentsand institutions to plan and manage basic services. Contact PaulMitchell at (202) 458-1423, or fax (202) 477-1245.

Zambia. A $140 million IDA credit approved July 11 will back economic,financial, social security and mining sector reforms in Zambia.The credit aims to enhance macroeconomic stability, improve thecompetitiveness of Zambian products and promote investment, particularlyin copper mining. Contact Eric Chinje at (202) 473-4467, or fax(202) 473-7917.