The World Bank (WB) approved a financing package of US $150 million for Nepal’s Third Bridges Improvement and Maintenance Program (BIMP-III) to strengthen the resilience of bridges in the Strategic Road Network, ensuring safer and uninterrupted connectivity across the country’s diverse and challenging terrain.
As per the WB press release, Nepal’s bridge system serves as critical lifelines connecting remote and urban communities to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Vulnerabilities caused by frequent climate-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes severely affect the bridge infrastructure.
The program will focus on climate-resilient measures such as enhanced structural designs and innovative technologies, including real-time monitoring systems to safeguard bridges against extreme weather events and will also support bridge designs prioritizing accessibility for all users, connecting marginalized communities to vital services, the release reads.
“The resilience of Nepal’s bridge network is fundamental for safe and sustained connectivity,” said David Sislen, Division Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Kosovo from borrower to Donor
Meanwhile, the Republic of Kosovo has become an official donor to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) with a paid-in contribution of $1.4 million.
In a historic move, the country has announced its commitment to be an official donor to the World Bank’s IDA, to fund 78 low-income countries.
Kosovo is also among the 78 countries that borrow from IDA, but now the country has experienced steady economic progress since independence, with a nearly 50% increase in per-capita income and a 35% reduction in the poverty rate.
