The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on Thursday approved a new USD 75 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for Haiti to improve selected rural roads.
To develop the road network and achieve intercity connectivity by 2021, the Haitian government has set an ambitious target to build 4000 km of roads.
“Thegrant approved will make a difference for people in Haiti. Roads are windows of opportunity that transform people’s lives as well as the economy.” said Anabela Abreu, World Bank Country Director for Haiti.
The Improved Rural Connectivity Project will benefit for more than 350,000 people in the targeted rural areas.
According to the Rural Access Index, about 61% of the population was living further than 2km from an all-weather road in 2015 and most rural roads remain in very poor condition and barely passable.