Improving water, sanitation in Georgia

MANILA, Philippines, Mar. 31, 2011 -- To support improvement of drinking water and sanitation services in Georgia, the Asian Development Bank has approved a $500 million loan facility for the country's Urban Services Improvement Investment Program.

The program will fund infrastructure improvements in six towns and strengthen the service capabilities of the United Water Supply Company of Georgia, which is the country's biggest service provider.

Georgia has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, owing in part to its location between Europe and Asia. Drinking water and sanitation services have not kept pace with the expansion, however, and as the growth trend is expected to continue, improving services has become a priority for the Georgian government.

The investment program is part of the country's long-term plan to provide reliable drinking water and sanitation services to all urban residents by 2020. The government expects to invest about $1.65 billion in the effort.

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