Can Tho seeks more WB loans for climate change response
Authorities of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho have proposed the World Bank (WB) provide more credit loans for the locality to implement an ongoing project on upgrading urban infrastructure to adapt to climate change.
Representatives from the two sides met at a working session on October 9 to review the implementation of the project and scrutinise Can Tho’s proposal for additional financial assistance.
Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Thi Hong Anh said the project focuses on constructing inner-city anti-flooding works, upgrading urban infrastructure system, increasing environmental protection efforts, building resettlement areas and improving the local authorities’ management capacity.
The seven-year project has a total estimated investment of around US$321.5 million, with US$250 million coming from the WB’s International Development Association (IDA).
Once completed in 2020, the project will benefit around 200,000 people in the districts of Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang, Binh Thuy, O Mon, Thot Not and Phong Dien.
WB officials praised the project, suggesting that it should focus on developing infrastructure works to help the city better respond to flooding, climate change, urbanisation and migration to urban areas.
They said they will submit Can Tho’s proposals to the WB for approval in the future.
The WB earlier approved US$90.4 million loan for Can Tho to implement the project. Its first phase is underway with a focus on upgrading infrastructure in low-income residential areas, water supply and drainage systems, and transport, electricity and lighting works in Ninh Kieu, Binh Thuy, Cai Rang and O Mon districts.
The project is part of the Mekong Delta Region Urban Upgrading Project, which aims to improve living conditions of the urban poor in selected regional cities.