ArmInfo.The World Bank (WB) has launched the first phase of the Water and Irrigation Services Enhancement (WISE) program in Armenia in rural areas with limited access to services.
As stated in the official statement of the WB, the program is designed for 2025-2031 and will be financed by a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the amount equivalent to $80 million. The program will be co-financed by the French Development Agency, the EU and the Armenian government, in a total amount of $185 million. Over the next 10 years, the total funding will amount to $435 million, of which the lion's share ($330 million) will come from the IBRD.
The first six-year phase of the program will be implemented by the Water Committee of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia in the settlements of Ararat, Armavir, Kotayk, Aragatsotn, Shirak and Tavush regions. The initiative is aimed at modernizing the infrastructure and strengthening the institutions regulating the water sector in line with Armenia's commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve adaptation to extreme weather events. According to the source, in Armenia, about 650 thousand people in 579 rural settlements remain without access to centralized water services, as they live in areas not covered by lease agreements for the provision of water supply services. Caroline Geghinat, Head of the World Bank Yerevan Office, noted that by investing in irrigation and water supply systems in parallel with policy and institutional reform, WISE will also help mitigate the impact of challenges such as drought, floods and extreme heat. Overall, the program will improve the quality of life and increase the economic resilience of the rural population of Armenia.
The WB report says that despite significant economic growth recorded in recent years, the poverty rate in Armenia remains high. While a significant part of the country's economic growth is currently provided by the services and industry sectors, agriculture remains one of the largest employers and a source of food for many families.
