The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved on June 19 an additional US $ 8.27 million (credit and grant) to fund ongoing transport and coastal infrastructure in the Independent State of Samoa.
The additional funds will be used to provide gap financing for road and bridge works in the capital city of Apia and other areas that are part of the ongoing Second Infrastructure Asset Management Program (SIAM). These works have had to be rescheduled due to higher than originally estimated costs.
New, complementary works that will enhance the impact of the original project will be supported. These include improving the traffic flow and safety in the Apia urban area; providing road access to remote villages and reducing the impact of floods; public dissemination and training for all villagers on the islands of Upolu and Savaii on tsunami awareness; reviewing the national hazards early warning system, assessing national earthquake risk and continued support for the use of Coastal Infrastructure Management Plans.
"The SIAM project aims to enhance the economic, environmental and social sustainability of transport and coastal infrastructure assets, to manage those assets and to respond to national emergencies through effective partnerships with the Government and the private sector,"Â said Mr Nigel Roberts, Country Director for PNG, Timor-Leste and the Pacific.
In Samoa, coastal infrastructure is a priority because more than 80 per cent of the country's economic activity and population are concentrated in coastal areas which are vulnerable to natural hazards, the impact of climate change and comprise fragile ecosystems. Detailed mapping has shown that 80 per cent of the 732-kilometre coastline is sensitive to erosion, flooding and landslides. Transport and coastal infrastructure development in this project is being approached within a broader framework of emergency and risk management.
The amended project will be extended from 31 December 2008 until 30 June 2010. -The World Bank
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