The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a 130-million-US-dollar loan to China Thursday to help finance the Ningbo Water and Environment Management Project.

The bank said the project aims to facilitate the expansion of water and wastewater services in the cities of Ningbo and Cixi in an economically efficient and environmentally sustainable manner, and thereby protect public health, improve the environment, and sustain the area's rapid economic growth.

Located approximately 150 km south of Shanghai on the edge of Hangzhou Bay, Ningbo is the primary deep-water port for the Yangzte Delta region, and has a thriving industrial sector focused on the export of manufactured goods.

Ningbo has been growing at a rapid pace in the last two decades. The Ningbo Municipal Government's policy is to foster private sector investment, promote education and science and provide high-quality infrastructure for the region.

The bank said investments in water and wastewater infrastructure need to keep pace with the rapid economic development. Both Ningbo and Cixi are located in Ningbo Municipality.

Ningbo, with a population of 2.5 million residents, is facing a two dimensional water crisis: frequent shortages and poor water quality. Water companies draw water from local surface water sources and use outdated treatment technology, rendering the piped water of questionable quality.

The Municipal Government has started implementation of an ambitious program to develop high quality water supplies, transfer the water to Ningbo, and upgrade water treatment and distribution infrastructure.

Located north of Ningbo on the shore of Hangzhou Bay, Cixi has a population of around one million people and a dynamic economy. Currently, only 10% of the wastewater in Cixi is treated, and the project will help expand coverage throughout Cixi.

Greg Browder, World Bank task manager for the project, said "The leaders and citizens and Ningbo City have been eagerly awaiting this project which will help provide reliable and high quality water supplies,"

"One of the most innovative features of the project is the construction of a water supply ring main around the city which will be the first of its kind in China. The investments in wastewater infrastructure in Cixi will help protect Hangzhou Bay and sustain the rapid economic growth in Cixi."

The Ningbo Water and Environment Project includes water supply line consisting of an intake tower in Jiaokou reservoir and a 9.6 km tunnel and a Maojiaping water treatment plant and treated water transmission pipes, which include a new 47 km ring main around Ningbo City and 29 km of transmission pipes from Maojiaping water treatment plant to the new ring main.

Cixi Wastewater project includes two wastewater treatment plants and associated collection system mains and link sewers. The component will provide comprehensive wastewater services for all urban areas in Cixi City, and help protect Hangzhou Bay.

The project also include technical assistance to improve water planning, utility price and service regulation, and to enhance the operational and business management capacities of the Ningbo Water Supply Company and Cixi Municipal Sewage Company.

Design review and construction management technical assistance will also be provided to ensure smooth implementation of the infrastructure works, the bank said.

"The loan for the Ningbo Water and Environment Project has a maturity of 20 years, including a five year grace period," said the bank.

Source: Xinhua