OREANDA-NEWS. June 21, 2010. The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a  USD 42.5 million loan and a USD 5.5 million Global Environment Facility[i] (GEF) grant for the Integrated Solid Waste Management Project for the Republic of Belarus, reported the press-centre of WB.     

The goal of this Project is to increase environmental benefits of integrated solid waste management and reduce environmental and health risks associated with the presence and release of the Persisted Organic Pollutants (POPs).
 
Belarus’ commitment to environmental protection is reflected in a number of long term national programs. The Integrated Solid Waste Management Project is aligned with the priorities outlined in the Country Assistance Strategy of the World Bank for the Republic of Belarus, which aims to achieve sustained economic growth and support the environment, service delivery, and efficient utilization of public services.
                       
The Project supports the design, construction and supervision of a 120,000 ton/year modern mechanical waste separation plant in the City of Grodno, and improving the collection of separate waste in the city of Grodno. The initiative seeks to recover recyclable materials and includes implementation of public information and awareness raising activities.
 
“The Project will help reduce, recycle and reuse valuable materials in the City of Grodno utilizing best international practices of integrated solid waste management,” said Maha Armaly, World Bank Task Team Leader for the Project. “The GEF financed component will support the Government’s actions to minimize and mitigate environmental and health risks related to POPs.”
 
The GEF grant will strengthen national capacity to manage hazardous wastes, specifically those associated with POPs, and support Belarus in meeting its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Grant activities aim to ensure environmentally sound management of the destruction of high-priority stockpiles of POPs and associated contaminated equipment, provide secure storage for lower risk stockpiles, and support planning infrastructure to manage future POPs generation.
 
The new World Bank loan is at a rate equal to US Dollar LIBOR plus the Variable Spread. Loan repayment period is fifteen years including five-year grace period.
 
Belarus joined the World Bank in 1992. Since then, the Bank’s lending commitments to Belarus totaled USD 685 million for 10 projects. About thirty national programs received grant financing totaling USD 24 million. Belarus is currently using World Bank financing in five infrastructure projects.