Togo gets $14m IDA credit for infrastructural development
A $14 million grant by the International Development Association (IDA) has been approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors to support the government of Togo’s effort to rehabilitate roads, drains and other infrastructure, to scale-up urban services, and strengthen the capacity of institutions.
These funds will support the rebuilding of some ten kilometers of drainage infrastructure in Lome and of about five kilometers of secondary roads.
The drainage works are expected to benefit some 48,000 people while the road upgrades will benefit as many as 27,500 people with all-season transport access, a World Bank press release issued on June 4, 2013 said.
According to Madani M. Tall, World Bank Country Director for Togo, “Togo, together with most countries in West Africa, suffered from heavy precipitation and flooding during the fall of 2010 rainy season,” The proposed rehabilitation works will improve access to basic services and contribute to creating jobs and supporting the government in its efforts to build resiliency to future flooding impacts.”
Kwabena Amankwah-Ayeh, World Bank Task Team Leader for the project said, “The labour-intensive methods for drain rehabilitation to be used under the project will clearly contribute to the livelihoods of local residents in the project neighborhoods. Moreover, the road rehabilitation efforts supported by these funds will improve and lower the cost of transportation in low-income neighborhoods located far from job opportunities.”
“I am pleased to continue supporting this project and the jobs and benefits it brings to the people living in and near Togo’s capital city,” he added.
By Dorcas Appiah