ADB Grant of $12.8 Million to Improve Water Supply and Sanitation in FSM

By India Education Diary Bureau Admin On Dec 2, 2020

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $12.8 million grant for the Chuuk Water Supply and Sanitation Project to improve access to safe water and sanitation in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

“The project will improve water supply and sanitation services which will help greatly in reducing the transmission of waterborne diseases,” said Principal Urban Development Specialist of ADB’s Pacific Regional Department Stephen Blaik.

The project will benefit Weno, the second-largest urban center of the FSM, the administrative center of Chuuk State, and home to some 14,000 people. Like most parts of the FSM, Weno is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, particularly tropical storms and droughts, and is susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Chuuk State experienced three major droughts between 2016 and 2020, which created shortages and disruptions to Weno’s surface and groundwater sources.

“This project will transform the lives of Weno’s residents,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Chuuk Public Utility Corporation Kembo Mida. “We welcome this assistance from ADB.”

The project is a high priority of the government and is aligned with the goals of both the FSM Infrastructure Development Plan and the Chuuk State Strategic Development Plan 2018–2023, which are committed to safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

The project aligns with the operational priorities of ADB’s Strategy 2030 to reduce remaining poverty and inequalities, accelerate progress in gender equality, tackle climate change, build climate and disaster resilience, enhance environmental sustainability, make cities more livable, and strengthen governance and institutional capacity.

The $12.8 million grant from ADB’s Special Funds Resources (Asian Development Fund) will help fund the project which is set to run until 2027.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.