VietNamNet Bridge – The World Bank will lend US$710 million for Viet Nam to implement three projects on public investment reform, irrigation and urban water supply.

The State Bank of Viet Nam and the World Bank signed loan agreements and legal documents in Ha Noi yesterday relating to the second Public Investment Reform Programme (PIR2) Development Policy, the water resource management project serving the development of the Mekong Delta and the urban water supply and sewerage project.

World Bank country director in Viet Nam Victoria Kwakwa said the funding for the three projects aimed to strengthen the efficiency of public investment, provide clean water for residents in the project areas and improve their adaptability to climate change.

The Urban Water Supply and Sewage Project Phase 1 will use a World Bank loan of US$200 million to improve water supply systems in Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Quang Nam, Kien Giang, Lam Dong, Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc provinces.

The $350 million PIR 2 will focus on checking the environment for infrastructure investment projects using public capital sources, project supervision and assessment and public finance management.

The remaining $160 million would be granted to the water resource management project serving the rural development of the Mekong Delta. The project aims to raise the efficiency of water resources use in the region, increase agricultural productivity and improve clean water supply for rural households.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News