The Household Energy and Universal Access (HEURA) Project in Mali received a boost as the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $35 million in additional funding that will allow an increase in the target number of communities with access to modern energy services.
The project, first approved in 2003, includes $2.4 million for capacity development and institutional strengthening in an effort to build a number of agencies including the Water and Electricity Regulatory Commission. WB has earmarked $30.3 million for energy services delivery and $2.3 million for household energy that could include items like low-consumption lamps and stoves.
“The additional funding is intended primarily to support the efforts of local private operators through rural electrification initiatives,” said Koffi Ekouevi, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project. “The project will support the overall objective of the original HEURA to help the Malian government in its efforts to improve the provision of basic energy services to the poor to help stimulate economic growth and thus contribute to the reduction of poverty.”
Meanwhile, the World Bank Executive Directors approved a $15 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to provide additional financing to the Second Environment Management Capacity Building Project (EMCBP II) in Uganda. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee the project, supporting the organization’s enforcement capacity of environmental priorities and promulgation of environmental laws regarding the petroleum and gas sector in Uganda.
The project’s initial funding of $22 million was approved in early 2001, and after following an extension, the second phase is expected to be completed in November.
“The project is important because it contributes to sustainable management of environmental and natural resources at the national, district, and community levels. The additional financing will enhance institutional development and further strengthen Uganda’s environment sector. It will also address a high priority economic development issue associated with oil and gas development, ensuring that this development is not hindered by inadequate institutional and regulatory capacity relating to environmental standards,” explained Nathalie Johnson, World Bank Task Team Leader for the project.