Kyrgyz Parliament Approves EBRD Deals to Improve Water Infrastructure

The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved, in its third reading, a bill ratifying agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to enhance water supply and sewerage systems in the cities of Shopokov, Kemin, and Talas.

Under the agreement, Kyrgyzstan will receive €17 million in total funding. Of this amount, €7.6 million will be issued as a loan with favorable terms-a 15-year repayment period including a four-year grace period, and an interest rate of 1 percent plus the Euribor rate, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

An additional €7.6 million will be provided as a grant by the EBRD. Furthermore, at least €1.8 million will be allocated for technical cooperation to support the implementation and efficiency of the infrastructure projects.

The money will be used to replace old water supply pipes, install meters, modernize treatment facilities and build new ones. In Talas, in particular, it is planned to build a modern wastewater treatment plant.

The project is designed for four years and will provide more than 19,000 people in Shopokov and Kemin with safe drinking water, as well as modernize the sewerage system for 19,000 residents of Talas.