The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 108 million loan for Georgia to finance improvement of water supply system in Zugdidi and sewerage system in Poti, towns in Samegrelo region in western Georgia.

The loan is fourth tranche in USD 500 million funding designed for upgrades to water and sanitation services in secondary towns in Georgia under ongoing Urban Services Improvement Investment Program (USIIP).

“USIIP supports the government of Georgia’s long-term sector development plan to invest around USD 1.6 billion to deliver safe water and sanitation services to all urban residents by 2020,” Kathie Julian, country director in ADB’s Georgia resident mission, said.

According to ABD, currently, 84% of people in Zugdidi have no access to piped water and the new system will result in round the clock supplies. In Poti, a comprehensive sewage collection and treatment facility will be built, serving the entire town. Nearly 34,000 households in both towns will benefit from the improvements. Water supplies in Poti were upgraded during earlier stages of the program. ADB has previously approved three tranches of the program totaling USD 218 million.