A transport mission of the World Bank (WB) led by Olivie Le Ber, a leading specialist, will visit Baku from 11 to 20 July, Trend reports. The key objective of the visit is to carry out a review of the existing projects in the sphere of reconstruction of automobile roads. They will be financed as one project.
It envisages the expansion and alternation of the Alat-Masally automobile route, which will cut its length from 230km to 200km, as well as the Baku-Shemakha-Mugan road, connecting Baku with the western regions of the country.
The improvement of the road infrastructure is also a good method for poverty reduction СЃand development of non-oil sector, obtaining more access to markets for rural villages, trade and transit.
The WB made a resolution on allocation of a $200m credit. The funds needed for two projects can be allocated under the second credit. A mission of the bank will consider the issue on approval of these funds and other aspects for reconstruction of roads.
The Transport Ministry announced that the use of the loan will start late 2006. At present the consultant on the project of construction of the Baku-Shemakha-Mugan is being determined, while Finroad Ltd., a Finnish consulting company, has become a consultant on the Alat-Masally road.