December, 2000
World Bank Approves Credit to Yemen for a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project

Contact Person:
Hanan Dowidar (202) 473-7199
Dhanan@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, December 21, 2000--The World Bank's Board of Directors today approved a US$20 million credit to the Republic of Yemen for the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project. The project aims to expand sustainable rural water supply and sanitation service coverage to about 400,000 mostly poor rural dwellers in ten governorates.

The 400,000 people expected to benefit from this project will have access to safer, more reliable and more convenient source of water in greater quantity, as well as safer and more convenient waste water and excreta disposal and improved hygiene habits. Consequently, time and energy used for collecting water will be saved and health will be improved through the use of safe water and improved environmental sanitation practices and behaviors.

The overall project cost is US$29.4 million. The World Bank's credit of US$20 million is on standard IDA (International Development Association) terms with a 40-year maturity, a 10-year grace period, and 0.75 percent service charge. The government of Yemen will also contribute US$3.5 million to the project, while the local governments will contribute US$4.9 million, and the Government of the Netherlands US$1 million.

For more on the Bank's work in the Middle East and North Africa Region, visit: http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/mna/mena.nsf