Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.13 /Trend N.Ismayilova/
Mission of World Bank (WB) arrived in Azerbaijan to review the implementation of the first and second national projects to improve water and sanitation in Azerbaijan, Baku Office of the WB told Trend on Monday.
"The mission, which includes the head of the project Manuel Marino, will be in the country from February 13 to 17. Main objectives of the mission are an overview and discussion of restructuring and the implementation of projects to improve water supply system." the mission said.
The restructuring carried out with regard to the facts of violation of procurement rules, in the result of which real prices for services were higher than proposed in the tender. In this regard, it was decided to revise the structure of the first project and the extension of the timing of its implementation.
The work on the project has been reduced from 22 to 4 regions. The project will cover the full restoration of water supply and sanitation in Shamakhi, Qabala, Saatli and Sabirabad areas.
Number of regions covered by the second project has been reduced from 20 to 8. The project will cover the full restoration of water supply and sanitation in Siyazan, Shabran, Agsu, Ismayilli, Masalli, Lerik, Yardimli and Jalilabad regions.
The World Bank has allocated $230 million with a total value amounted to $310 million to the first water project. The Government has allocated $80 million. Some $20.3 million from $230 million issued by the bank was spent, and the balance amounted to $209.7 million for September 2011.
The term of first project realization is extended until the end of February 2013, whereas before it was scheduled for completion in January 2012 due to the incompleteness of the work.
Thus, the first project will be implemented in parallel with the second national project of water supply and sewerage services in Azerbaijan, which also must be completed in late February 2013.
The World Bank has allocated $230 million through the IBRD and 30 million through the IDA with a total value of $410 million. The government has allocated $150 million.
Some $7.7 million from the $230 million of IBRD was spent and the balance amounted to $222.3 million for September 2011. Some $8.2 million from $30 million of IDA was spent and the balance amounted to $21.8 million.
Azerbaijan is a member of the World Bank since 1992. Total investment of the bank amounted to $2.9 billion for 43 projects during this period.