WB approves Đà Nẵng infrastructure fund

ĐÀ NẴNG — The World Bank (WB) has approved a loan of US$72.52 million for infrastructure projects in Đà Nẵng from its International Development Association.

The city said the fund would help support the city’s infrastructure projects, including a separated sewage discharge system for coastal tourism sites of Mỹ An and Mỹ Khê area in Sơn Trà Peninsula.

The fund will also support integrated bus and Bus Rapid Transit network and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) projects and upgrades to the bypass road system of the Đà Nẵng-Quảng Ngãi Expressway in Hòa Vang District.

The city also asked the WB to increase its funding for wastewater treatment and drainage channel projects.

The city’s efforts to treat wastewater have been lacking, with seven of 15 wastewater gates discharging water into the sea untreated.

Đà Nẵng has met deadlines for development projects funded by the WB over the past many years.

In 2013, the WB agreed to provide $202 million for a US$272-million sustainable development project to help improve the city’s Bus Rapid Transit network, build new roads, and revamp the existing drainage system. — VNS