WB issues additional funds for project on better livelihoods for IDPs in Azerbaijan
By Nigar Abbasova
World Bank’s Board of Directors approved additional allocation of funds in the amount of $66.7 million for the implementation of the Internally Displaced People (IDP) Living Standards and Livelihoods Project on June 17.
The objective of the project is to improve living conditions and increase the economic self-reliance of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan, the Bank reported.
Approximately seven percent of Azerbaijan’s population is considered internally displaced and they constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of society. Many IDPs still lack access to quality infrastructure, social services and jobs. This additional financing aims to continue World Bank support to improve basic local infrastructure, living conditions, income, skills and job opportunities for IPDs, as well as non-IDP populations.
“Meeting the needs of IDPs is a key priority for Azerbaijan to achieve shared prosperity for all of its citizens, and we commend the efforts of the government so far in creating decent living conditions for them”, says Larisa Leshchenko, World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan.
Leshchenko believes this project will complement existing efforts by providing better public services and income generation opportunities, in particular for youth.
The project will support rehabilitation of community infrastructure, such as water and power supply, roads, drainage systems, schools and health centers. Additionally, it will include training and business development opportunities for young IDPs, income generation and micro-credit activities.
“While this project builds on our successful experience in the sector, it also has new features such as supporting IDPs to diversify their sources of livelihoods and income, thus contributing to the overall economic growth of Azerbaijan”, says Michelle Rebosio, who leads the World Bank team working on the project.
The funds are expected to be used for the implementation of 250 projects concerning IDP’s in Azerbaijan.
The project is the third in succession within the framework of the IDP’s well-being improvement project implemented by the WB in Azerbaijan.
The first credit was allocated by the bank in 2001 with the view to improve IDP’s economic conditions in Azerbaijan. The worth of the credit was at the rate of $10.7 million with $10 million being provided by the WB and $700,000 by the government of the country.
Means covered financing of the 199 projects of communities, while as many as 175,000 of IDPs made use of the gains acquired as a result of the project implementation
As many as 12.6 million was allocated for the implementation of the second project. The share of the bank amounted to $11.5 million. However, funds turned out to be insufficient, the fact lead to the necessity of additional financing. Some $ 24.19 million was allocated for the project close-out. The share of the WB in additional financing amounted to $15 million, while the share of Azerbaijan’s government is $8.69 million.
Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. Since that time commitments to the country have totaled over US$3 billion for 55 projects. The current World Bank portfolio in Azerbaijan consists of 11 active projects.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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