November 3 (SeeNews) - The World Bank said it plans to extend a $119 million (102.2 million euro) loan to support the improvement of Serbia's infrastructure efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the transport and energy sectors, in order to contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the country's economy and create growth and jobs.
Under the Enhancing Infrastructure Efficiency and Sustainability Programme, approved by the World Bank's board of directors, Serbia will be able to better maintain 8,000 kilometres of roads and improve energy efficiency in 234 of its public buildings, the lender said in a statement on Thursday.
"Serbia is at the crossroads of South East Europe and improving its road network is expected to be a major contributor to continued economic growth, not only in Serbia but also in the region," the World Bank's country manager for Serbia, Stephen Ndegwa, said. "This operation will ensure the preservation of the road network and as well as all for substantial implementation of modern maintenance approaches in Serbia. In addition, it will improve energy efficiency and safety in renovated public buildings."
The programme will support Serbia in improving the management and sustainability of public infrastructure, focusing on the transport and energy sectors. The transport component focuses on supporting efforts to modernise the way road maintenance is managed, helping the country move from traditional maintenance to Performance-based Maintenance Contracting. The transition will bring better planning, contracting, and fiscal discipline to state-run road operator Putevi Srbije and will ensure better safety on Serbian roads.
The energy component supports the government’s Program for Reconstruction and Improvement of state-owned public facilities by improving energy efficiency and safety in 234 public buildings throughout Serbia and strengthening the implementation capacity of the programme. The renovated buildings, which include hospitals, clinics, schools and kindergartens, and other social facilities, will have lower energy bills, improved building conditions, extended operational lifetimes, and enhanced safety.
($ = 0.8590 euro)