World Bank Gives Grant for Central Asia Water Project

27 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The World Bank has approved a $13 million grant to fund a project to improve management of water resources in the Ferghana Valley in Central Asia.

A World Bank statement said the project, which was approved ON 26 July, is expected to become effective this year's fall and will operate until 2010.

The project aims at improving irrigation and drainage systems in northern Tajikistan to help increase the income of the rural population.

It will also enhance operation of the Kayrakkum Dam and reservoir, yielding benefits for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

(www.worldbank.org/AFP)