The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Nauru has signed a US$5 million grant to help fund the preparation of an ADB-supported project for enhancing urban services in Nauru.
Martin Hunt, Nauru’s Minister of Finance and governor of ADB, alongside Leah Gutierrez, pacific department director at ADB, signed the grant agreement, which will partly fund the assessment, planning, and capacity building needed to implement the proposed Nauru Sustainable Urban Development Project.
Hunt said: “Growth in Nauru’s urban areas put stress on essential services, including water supply and sanitation. There is a critical need for this urban project, preparation is key, and we appreciate ADB’s support in planning and developing it.”
The proposed $20 million project will increase access to and improve the quality and safety of essential urban services for about 2,150 households on the island.
“The public health and well-being of people in Nauru depends on having better access to safe water, sanitation, and effective solid waste management,” Gutierrez added. “ADB is supporting the Government of Nauru in the planning of this urban project, which will also focus on improved resilience and sustainability, particularly in the face of climate change and exposure to natural disasters.”
ADB will use its project readiness facility to fast-track project-developing engineering designs and procurement plans. The ADB project team will also develop policies and capacities to manage the new urban facilities and deliver improved services.
