China - Tai Basin Urban Environment Project

Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet (Updated) Report No: AC145 Section I - Basic Information Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 04/20/2004 A. Basic Project Data (from PDS) I.A.1. Project Statistics Country: CHINA Project ID: P057933 Project: TAI BASIN URBAN ENVIRONMENT Task Team Leader: Stuart Whitehead PROJECT Authorized to Appraise Date: November 7, 2003 IBRD Amount ($m): 64.61 Bank Approval: June 24, 2004 IDA Amount ($m): Managing Unit: EASUR Sector: Sewerage (85%); Flood protection (15%) Lending Instrument: Specific Investment Loan (SIL) Theme: Water resource management (P); Pollution Status: Lending management and environmental health (P); Environmental policies and institutions (P); Other urban development (S) I.A.2. Project Objectives (From PDS): The Government's objective for the proposed Tai Basin Urban Environment Project is to enhance the quality of life of the rapidly increasing urban population and to enhance economic competitiveness to sustain economic growth in Wuxi and Suzhou, key municipalities in the Tai Basin and the Yangtze River Delta economic region, by alleviating degradation of water resources and improving the quality of the urban environment. To meet this objective, the project is designed to increase the capture and treatment of wastewater in core cities and the rapidly industrializing suburban districts through physical investments and institutional and financial reforms that will enhance the viability and sustainability of wastewater systems, particularly in these rapidly developing districts. The project will support rehabilitation and water quality improvement in several urban and district canal and river systems through physical investments and improved water management. In addition, the project will support lakeshore rehabilitation around Wuli Lake as a new development and amenity area for Wuxi City. Finally, the project will seek to strengthen water resource protection in the Tai Basin through improved and integrated planning, water quality monitoring and environmental management. The project design therefore reflects the core elements of the Bank's Urban Strategy