The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors yesterday approved a US$15 million loan for the Municipal Water Project for Armenia.

The Project will support improvement of the quality and availability of water supply in selected service areas of the Armenian Water and Sewerage Company (AWSC).

The activities proposed under the Project will directly benefit over 133,000 residents in the cities of Ashtarak (Aragatzotn region), Masis (Ararat region) and Echmiadzin (Armavir region) and 15 neighboring rural settlements. The investments will increase average daily supply of drinking water service from 12 hours to 17 hours, improve water quality, decrease water pollution risks and improve customer service.

About 21,000 residents will also benefit from installation of new meters. The Project will generate multiple benefits for the public and private sectors by creating a more conducive environment for service delivery to users and stimulating economic activities.

“This project supports the government’s strategy aiming at promoting access to quality potable water across the country, including in small and medium-size towns and rural areas. This is an important part of the World Bank’s Country Partnership Strategy for Armenia,” said Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus.