World Bank in Chinese road loan

The World Bank has approved a US$ 250 million loan to help improve road infrastructure in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region of China.

The loan represents about 44% of the total project cost of US$ 773 million and will be used specifically to finance the construction of a four-lane highway connecting Guyaozi to Qingtongia, improve some rural roads in the poorest counties and rehabilitate three badly damaged sections of the G211 national highway between Lingwu and Huianpu.

Ningxia is one of the poorest provinces in China with approximately 10% of its population living below the poverty line. A statement from the World Bank said that the regional government is making great efforts to develop and improve its road infrastructure to better connect the major industrial areas with urban areas, and link these areas to the provincial and national road network.

World Bank transport specialist Deng Fei said, "Through the Ningxia highway project we hope to help enhance the quality of transport infrastructure and services for the people in Ningxia so that they can have better access to economic opportunities and improve their living conditions."