WB helps Iran to upgrade deprived cities

The two sides aim to improve living situation in the cities’ marginal areas that may contain large population.

The projects cost nearly 100 million dollars of which 80 percent is to be secured by the World Bank and the rest by the Iranian government. In the first phase of the plan, four cities of Zahedan, Bandar Abbas, Kermanshah, and Sanandaj have been selected due to their level of deprivation. Studies are being conducted to select another city.

The plan aims to guarantee cheap housing, improve water and sewage system, establish infrastructures for the cities, create employment opportunities, and boost capacities of municipalities and other related organizations.

The government has prepared a national document for upgrading the cities. The plan is due to be started as of 2007. The document has been confirmed by 11 ministries and organizations including the ministries of housing, information, foreign affairs, industries and mines, labor and social affairs, economy, the judiciary, Management and Planning Organization, and Department of the Environment.

Central Bank of Iran would supervise the entire plan and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is to coordinate the execution activities.

ARA/MA

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MNA