FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The World Bank
Europe and Central Asia Region

News Release No. 2000/066/ECA	Contact: Gina Ciagne (202) 458-4166
Email: Gciagne@worldbank.org
www.worldbank.org/developmentnews 	

WORLD BANK APPROVES LOAN FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN LATVIA

	WASHINGTON, September 15, 2000The World Bank has approved US$2.22 million for the Solid Waste Management Project for Latvia which will demonstrate self-sustaining, modern management of municipal solid waste through maximum collection and utilization of landfill gas in the Liepaja Region.  

	The project will address serious environmental and public health concerns, through improved solid waste management and the development of a waste treatment facility based on enhanced waste decomposition.  The project will include a twinning arrangement with an experienced foreign operator, as well as general capacity building for the municipal authorities. 

	The project includes the following components:  

•	Investment Component.  This component is comprised of the following sub-components:  remediation; technical and operational improvements, installation of energy cells and landfill gas collection system; installation of a power generator; vehicles and waste collection points; managerial support through twinning arrangements; detailed design; and implementation support.  

•	Technical Assistance Component.  This component involves training and capacity building at the local and regional level for solid waste management utilities, municipal authorities and private sector companies involved in the implementation of the National Solid Waste Management Strategy. 

The total cost of the project is US$16.97 million, including funding from the Latvian Government, the European Commission, local Latvian governments (provincial, city and district), the Nordic Investment Bank, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and other unidentified sources.  This is a fixed-spread loan with a maturity of 17 years, including a 5-year grace period.  

	Since Latvia joined the World Bank in 1992, commitments to the country total approximately US$357 million for 18 projects.  
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