Announcement of a World Bank Loan for Algeria's Highway Project on January 31, 1995

i JAN 31 '95 04:19PM WB MNACA 2024777978 P * ' - XTERNAL AFFAIRS World Bank BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 95/51 'MENA CONTACT: YAMINE (202)4 -2318 WORLD BANK E2MNDS $130 MILLION LOAN FOR ALGERrA HTIHWAY PROJECT Washington, D.C. , Tanuary 31, 1995 - The rehabilitation of Algeria's road and bridges network is the major focus of the Algerian government's $230 million Sixth Highway project. The World Bank has approved a $130 million loan to assist in the project. "Improving transport is an integral part of Algeria's efforts to create a market-based economy," World Bank task manager Michel Ray says. The project consists of three principal components, the largest being the road rehabilitation works. Under that component, roads carrying high and medium traffic volumes will be targeted for strengthening. Bridges identified as in need of the most urgent attention will be included in a rehabilitation program. JRN 31 '95 04:19PM IWB MNACAI2024777978 .2/4 2 j( Periodic maintenance of national and EsTUATED PROiECT COSTS municipal roads is the second largest project (Uss Muwilon) component. Traffic counting equipment, as well Strenzthenirig & Rehabilitation lo018 as maintenance equipment, will be acquired as 1. Strengthening 45.6 part of the effort to improve overall 2. Road Rebabilitatt' 19.5 maintenance capacity. 3. Bridge Rehabilion 13.5 4. Control of Works 4.4 5. Tecbnical Studies 2.4 Training, technical assistance, and Subs 85.3 studies make up the project's third component. Road Maintenance It calls for the modernization and provision of 1. Periodic Maitece by 51.0 technical assistance to the Ministry of Coutct Infrastructure and Regional Planning. It also 2. Equipment for Crnnt 12.4 Maintenanca & traffic calls for providing training to the autonomous counting highways authority, Agence Nationale des 3. Municipal Road Maintenance 13.3 Autoroutes (ANA). Audits of road enterprises 4. Supervision, General Studies 2.5 & Training and development of national technical guidelines Subtoti1 71.3 are part of the project. Trainine. TA & Studies 1, Audit of Road Enterprises 2.0 The World Bank loan is repayable in 17 2. TA to ANA and training 3.4 years, including 5 years grace, at the standard 3. Economic, Financial, 8.8 Environment and Detailed variable interest rate. The government will Engineering Studies ,(Motorways) finance $100 million of the project costs. o 4. Modernization & Training 11.3 Actions (MIRP) 5. Generml Studies & Research 6.3 FINANCING PLAN 6, Specific Technical Assistance 2.0 (US$ Million) for the Mizustry of Infstructure Total Subtotal IBRD 130.0 Contiagncies 3_1.7 Government 100.0 Government ____ 0- TOTAL PROJECT COSTS 230.0 TOTAL 230.0