DEVELOPMENT NEWS
12 bridges to be constructed
Lake Issyk–Kul
ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY IN KYRGYZSTAN
Link to UNESCO heritage site – vital to country’s tourism sector – to be rebuilt
T
he OPEC Fund signed a US$10 million public sector
loan agreement with Kyrgyzstan to co-finance the ‘Reconstruction of Issyk-Kul Road at a Section of Korumdu-Balbay Project’, to enhance connectivity, which is essential for increased economic opportunities, particularly in tourism, and improve living conditions. Lake Issyk–Kul is the world’s
second-largest saline lake, and has been designated a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It attracts about one million tourists annually – 70 percent of the country’s annual tourist visits – and is a major economic driver in the region.
The project will upgrade and widen an 80 km section of the Balykchy- Karakol-Balykchy Ring Road, which serves 17 urban and semi-urban settlements populated by some 700,000 people. Other works include the construction of 12 bridges and 212 culverts, which will help divert mountain run-off for use in crop irrigation and animal husbandry. The project is being co-financed by
the Kyrgyz government, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Saudi Fund for Development. OPEC Fund Director-General
Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “This project aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s development strategy and will provide its population with reliable
700,000
residents served by the road
212 culverts will improve irrigation and animal husbandry
and less expensive road transport. The improved stretch will help reduce isolation, improve safety in the mountainous Issyk–Kul region, and foster national and regional connectivity. The OPEC Fund is pleased to strengthen its commitment to Kyrgyzstan and we look forward to partnering on future projects.” The OPEC Fund has supported
development operations in Kyrgyzstan since 1997, through the extension of loans and grants in transportation, education, health and agriculture.
31
PHOTO:
Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock.com
PHOTO: Matyas Rehak/
Shutterstock.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
