(Ecofin Agency) - World Bank will grant $27.8 million to Mali to help it protect Niger river. This was revealed by the bank in a statement published on March 16, 2018.

The resource is divided into a loan and a donation from International Development Association (IDA) worth $13.9 million each. This grant, which falls in line with the project for Economic and Environmental Rehabilitation of Niger River (PREEFN), should enable a sustainable management of transport and access to water.

“The project will benefit transport operators, village groups, farmers, fishers, youth organizations, women and vulnerable populations in three main localities in the NID (ed: Niger Inner Delta), Kolongo, Kokry and Macina, with approximately a total population of about 100, 000,” the statement indicated.

For the record, Niger River is the third longest river in Africa and the largest in West Africa (4,200 km long). The Niger Inner Delta (NID) located in Mali, provides the country’s populace numerous benefits in transport as well as water supply access to locally-produced goods.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou (intern)