The World Bank Group will be providing financial assistance of $200m to Lebanon to upgrade its road network, which would improve public safety and support urban-rural development and equitable economic growth.

The allocated funds will be used towards repairing of 500km of road stretch, which would enable the government to revamp the country’s crumbling road sector.

The funding for Roads and Employment Project has been approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, which includes a $45m grant from the Bank-administered Concessional Financing Facility (CFF).

For the first time Lebanon has received funding from the CFF, a facility created last year to support middle-income nations, which have been receiving regular Bank financing over the years, but are currently experiencing unusual social and economic duress.

World Bank Middle East director Ferid Belhaj said: “This is to help Lebanon continue to offer basic services both to its citizens and to Syrian refugees in the country.

 “By hosting refugees, Lebanon is offering the international community a global public good. International financial support needs to increase to match its generosity.”

"This is to help Lebanon continue to offer basic services both to its citizens and to Syrian refugees in the country."

The Bank-financed project is reported to be in line with the objective to help the government mobilise other international development partners to provide additional funding.

World Bank senior transport specialist Ziad El Nakat said: “Historically, the construction sector has been a primary source of income for poorer Lebanese and Syrians. And it continues to play this role.”

The project will also include a survey of up to 6,000km of primary, secondary, and tertiary roads in all Lebanese regions to identify roads that is in most need for rehabilitation.

Image: Road roller at road construction site. Photo: courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net / surasakiStock.