FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The World Bank
Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2001/036/ECA	Contact: Gina Ciagne (202) 458-4166
Email: Gciagne@worldbank.org 	

Světová banka schválila projekt rozvoje městské dopravy pro Kyrgyzstán

Washington, 22. srpna 2000 – Světová banka dnes schválila půjčku ve výši odpovídající 22 milionům amerických dolarů na projekt městské dopravy Kyrgyzské republiky, jehož cílem je podpora stabilního, spolehlivého a cenově dostupného dopravního systému pro obyvatelstvo měst Bishek, Osh a Jalalabad.	

WORLD BANK APPROVES URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT FOR THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 

	WASHINGTON, August 22, 2000The World Bank approved today a US$22 million equivalent credit for an Urban Transport Project in the Kyrgyz Republic that will provide sustainable, reliable, and affordable transportation for the people living in Bishkek, Osh, and Jalalabad.  The project will restore selected urban roads to acceptable service standards and take the first steps towards developing a reliable source of financing for urban roads maintenance and rehabilitation.  

	The project is comprised of the following components:

•	Civil Works: Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Priority Sections of Urban Streets in Three Major Cities.  This component includes the rehabilitation and maintenance of priority sections of the urban public transport networks in the cities of Bishkek, Osh, and Jalalabad.  Rehabilitation treatments vary from complete reconstruction to asphalt overlays to surface treatments, and include minor drainage improvements and provision for utility modifications.  Routine funds will aim to catch up on filling cracks and pothole repairs.

•	Consultants Services and Training.  This component will include consultant services, coordinated through the Project Implementation Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Communications for engineering design and construction supervision, a municipal road finance study, and an urban passenger transport reform action plan in Bishkek.

•	Project Implementation Unit Operating Costs and Project Preparation Facility.  Activities of the Project Implementation Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, including staff salaries and office expenses, will be funded under the project.   This includes Project Implementation Unit financial audits. 

Total cost of the project is US$24.22 million including US$2.22 million from the Kyrgyz government.  Since the Kyrgyz Republic joined the World Bank in 1992, commitments to the country total approximately US$525 million for 20 projects.  

-###-