Colombia | World Bank

In Colombia: Maria Clara Ucros

(57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today an additional US$7.8 million for the Colombia Peace and Development Project. The project assists displaced, vulnerable and underprivileged populations living in urban and rural communities in regions affected by the internal conflict, reduces the risk of exposure to the conflict and mitigates its possible negative effects.

The additional financing will help consolidate the project and expand its activities in the Cauca Valley Department. The latter is now included in the departments contemplated in the initial financing: Antioquia, Bolivar, Cauca, Cesar, Nariño, Norte Santander, Santander and Sucre.

The consolidation of the project’s activities will help improve quality of life in vulnerable communities and will help the social and economic reintegration of families affected by the internal conflict.

“With this additional financing we reiterate our commitment to these communities and our firm conviction to continue to support the government in building the peace foundations in the country,” said Eduardo Somensatto, World Bank Representative in Colombia.

The loan will provide additional benefits for hundreds of families in the participating departments. Apart from the additional productive, cultural and economic contributions, the project will include institutional and organizational strengthening, as well as generating capacities for designing, implementing and monitoring initiatives for peace and development, thus contributing to increasing human, physical and social capital in the communities.

The project has three components:

Preventing displacement;
Generating the appropriate conditions for sustainable returns or relocations;
Strengthening the National System of Comprehensive Assistance for the Displaced Population

“The Peace and Development Program promoted by Social Action has been working on constructing a country with opportunities for everyone, dignified living conditions and peaceful coexistence. For more than ten years, the Colombian society, supported by technical and financial aid from the World Bank, has identified and activated more than 600 projects aimed at generating economic, social, cultural and environmental assets throughout different territories in the country. It has also generated knowledge and important lessons in promoting regional initiatives in peace development,” declared Sandra Alzate, Director in Charge of the Presidential Agenda for Social Action and International Cooperation.

This financing is a key component in the government’s strategy, as it will complement and strengthen various existing programs. It will also help unify civil society, public and private sectors and donors in their different approaches to peace and development strategies in Colombia.

The project seeks to support government policies to minimize displacements and assist the displaced population through specific interventions in regional developments to reduce vulnerability to violence and thus prevent displacements, support the return of families to their communities or their relocation, and encourage the consolidation of democratic governments in the regions.

The total amount of additional finance required is US$14.879 million, of which the World Bank will contribute with US$7.812 million and the Colombian government with US$7.067 million.

The responsible agency for executing the World Bank’s resources is the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation. It is a fixed spread loan to be paid in 15 years with a 10 year grace period, with a front end fee of 0.25% of the total amount. The project is expected to be completed by September 15, 2012.

For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101277

Colombia: Additional Financing—Peace and Development Project

2009-09-10T20:20:42.000Z

WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IBRD Loan: US$7.8 million

Terms: Maturity = 15 years; Grace Period = 10 years

Project ID: P101277

Project Description: Additional financing for the Peace and Development Project aims to assist vulnerable, low-income and displaced populations in rural and urban communities in the conflict-affected region of Colombia, ultimately reducing the risk of their exposure to conflict and mitigate the negative impact of possible derived effects.

Media Contact

Fernanda Zavaleta

52-55-5480-4252 in Mexico City

fzavaleta@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit:

The project Finance and Private Sector Development has changed to Active

2009-08-08T04:00:00.000Z

The project Finance and Private Sector Development has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Solid Waste Management Program Project has changed to Active

2009-08-08T04:00:00.000Z

The project Solid Waste Management Program Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Solid Waste Management Program Project for Colombia is to support the implementation of the solid waste management component of the Borrower's program which aims at improving the quality and coverage of integrated solid waste management services in the territory of the Borrower. There are three components to the project, the first component being development of, and investments in, solid waste disposal systems. The component will primarily finance the construction of solid waste management infrastructure consisting of civil works, equipment and services in support of the rehabilitation, construction, and/or expansion of landfills and transfer stations in selected sites and the closing of non sanitary open-air landfills. The component will also potentially finance the rehabilitation and expansion of landfill sites that may currently be operating at sub-sanitary levels. The second component is the institutional strengthening in solid waste management. The component will finance three key areas of technical assistance as: a) strengthening sector regulatory framework and capacity building; b) strengthening of solid waste management planning systems; and c) national assessment of recycling markets and strategy framework. Finally, the third component is the project management. The component will finance costs associated with project management including goods, works, services, and operating expenses associated with financial audits and midterm and end-project evaluations.

The project Integrated Mass Transit Systems Second Additional Financing has changed to Active

2009-08-07T04:00:00.000Z

The project Integrated Mass Transit Systems Second Additional Financing has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

US$300 Million for Development of Financial Sector Policies in Colombia

2009-08-06T21:32:38.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar

(202) 473 6768

In Colombia: Maria Clara Ucros

(57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2009 – Today, the World Bank (WB) approved US$300 million to support the Colombian government’s efforts to face macroeconomic challenges stemming from the current global financial crisis, thereby strengthening the financial sector and developing capital markets.

“This is an important loan for Colombia as it will support reforms underway in the economy, strengthen the financial sector’s resilience, and help deepen the capital market. Likewise, it will help promote savings, investment, and financing, which are needed to return to the path of sustained growth,” says Colombian Minister of Finance Oscar Iván Zuluaga.

Specifically, the project will support policy reforms aiming to:

· Strengthen and monitor prudent regulatory systems,

· Strengthen the framework for the intervention and resolution of unauthorized financial intermediation activities, and

· Implement value market reforms.

“Our greatest interest is to continue supporting the Colombian government in its ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, improve productivity and competitiveness, create strong, reliable financial systems, and prevent negative effects triggered by the global economic crisis,” stated Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Director for Colombia and Mexico.

The loan will support policies seeking to reduce poverty by developing sustainable economic growth. It aims to promote a diversified, efficient, and solid financial system, as well as a capital market that stimulates financing opportunities for private companies.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, which will coordinate with the Colombian Financial Superintendent’s Office and the Bank of the Republic. This fixed-rate loan has a payback period of 26 years and a grace period of 7.5 years. A front-end fee (FEF) of 0.25% of the total amount has been agreed upon, to be paid with government resources.

For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit:

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For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Colombia: Integrated Mass Transit Systems Project [Additional Financing]

2009-08-05T14:08:22.000Z

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IBRD Loan: US$300 million

Terms: Maturity = 23.5years; Grace Period = 11.5 years

Project ID: P114325

Project Description: The Integrated Mass Transit Systems Project for Colombia aims to: (i) develop high quality and sustainable Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in participating cities to improve mobility along strategic mass transit corridors; (ii) improve accessibility to public transportation for the poor; and (iii) build greater institutional capacity in the Borrower's public transportation institutions in order to formulate integrated urban transport policies, and to improve urban transport planning and traffic management.

Media Contact

Stevan Jackson

(202) 458 5054

sjackson@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P114325

Colombia: Solid Waste Management Program Project

2009-08-05T14:05:44.000Z

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IBRD Loan: US$20 million

Terms: Maturity = 15.5 years; Grace Period = 10.5 years

Project ID: P101279

Project Description: The Solid Waste Management Program Project for Colombia aims to support the implementation of the solid waste management component of the Borrower's program which aims at improving the quality and coverage of integrated solid waste management services in the territory of the Borrower.

Media Contact

Stevan Jackson

(202) 458 5054

sjackson@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101279

Colombia: Financial Sector Development Policy Loan

2009-08-05T14:04:28.000Z

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IBRD Loan: US$300 million

Terms: Maturity = 26 years; Grace Period = 7.5 years

Project ID: P116088

Project Description: The Financial Sector Development Policy loan Program for Colombia aims to support sustainable growth and alleviation of poverty by: a) strengthening the financial system to prevent disruptive and costly financial crises; and b) consolidating the securities markets as a pillar of economic growth to address the needs of individuals and the productive sector.

Media Contact

Stevan Jackson

(202) 458 5054

sjackson@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P116088

The project Integrated Mass Transit Systems Second Additional Financing has changed to Closed

2009-08-05T04:00:00.000Z

The project Integrated Mass Transit Systems Second Additional Financing has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

US$320 Million for Improving Public Transportation and Waste Treatment in Colombia

2009-08-04T19:38:49.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar

(202)-473-6768

In Colombia: Maria Clara Ucros

(57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2009 – Today, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved two loans totaling US$320 million for Colombia. These loans will finance programs within its development plan that will primarily benefit vulnerable populations by seeking to improve their quality of life through access to efficient services.

The loans are for an additional US$300 million for the Integrated Mass Transit System Project and US$20 million for the Solid Waste Management Program. Both projects are part of the Country Partnership Strategy, which includes flexible planning, advisory services, and technical assistance, as well as long-term financing with highly competitive interest rates and payback terms.

“We acknowledge the government’s efforts to implement countercyclical policies in order to alleviate the impacts of the crisis and reduce external vulnerabilities. Both operations, each of which plays a key role in its sector, are proof of the World Bank’s confidence in Colombia, as well as our clear commitment to working with the country,” stated Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Director for Colombia and Mexico.

Funding for the Integrated Mass Transit Systems Project will finance the expansion of the project’s scope. Like many Latin American countries, in recent decades Colombia has shown significant urban population growth with severe socioeconomic impacts.

“Public transportation has been a great concern for Colombia’s planners and decision-makers both at national and local levels. Urban transport is considered to be a driver of improved productivity and increased urban competitiveness, as well as playing a key role in city efficiency,” commented Gabriel García, Deputy Minister of Transportation. “Citizens without access to a reliable public transport system are excluded from employment opportunities and health care, and are isolated from the rest of the community. In contrast, offering this service is a tool to promote growth, reduce poverty, improve social networks and environmental conditions,” adds García.

The project aims to:

i) Develop Fast Bus Systems (SBTR) in participating cities in order to improve mobility throughout strategic mass traffic corridors;

ii) Improve poor populations’ access to public transportation;

iii) Build greater institutional capacity among public transportation institutions in order to make integrated urban transportation policies and improve urban transportation planning and traffic management.

This is the third instance in which the World Bank has supported the program, which was launched in 2004 with US$250 million in financing. It received US$207 of additional financing in December 2007. In both cases, this funding was allocated to civil works and technical assistance in Barranquilla, Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Medellín-Valle de Aburra, and Pereira. The third loan will also cover the cost of land purchases needed to build the new RTBS infrastructure, public areas, and relocation compensation costs.

Total funding required to complete this stage is US$429 million, US$300 million of which will be provided by the World Bank and US$129 by the Colombian Government. The Ministry of Transportation will be responsible for implementing the World Bank Loan. This fixed-rate loan has a payback period of 3.5 years and a grace period of 11.5 years. A front-end fee (FEF) of 0.25% of the total amount has been agreed upon, to be paid with government resources. The project’s end date is March 31, 2012.

Financing to address health and environmental problems

The US$20 million for implementing the Solid Waste Management Program in Colombia will seek to improve the quality and coverage of the country’s integrated waste treatment services, benefiting close to 400,000 people thanks to the appropriate management of solid waste in landfills built by the project.

“This program aims to leverage additional resources from different sources in the waste management sector. It will be implemented within the framework set by the Water and Waste Department Plans, in alignment with the institutional management, financial, social, and environmental instruments. We seek to modernize waste services and the institutions responsible for their management in order to improve Colombians’ quality of life,” declared Dr. Leyla Rojas Molano, Deputy Minister of Drinking Water and Waste.

The project involves three components:

Development of and investment in final solid waste disposal systems. The resources will finance infrastructure, equipment, and services to facilitate solid waste management, particularly by eliminating open-air dumps. Technical assistance will also be financed.

Institutional strengthening. This component aims to strengthen regional solid waste management planning systems through technical assistance: improve institutional capacities for applying regulatory schemes and sector tariffs; and develop a strategic framework for recycling.

Project management. Includes associated costs for implementation.

The project’s total cost is US$26.5 million, of which the World Bank will provide US$20 million and the Colombian government US$6.5 million. It aims to achieve the following outcomes:

a) Construction and operation of landfills:

b) Sustainable closure of open-air dumps:

c) Cost recovery in World Bank-financed landfills:

d) Establishment of companies specializing in solid waste management;

e) Social inclusion of garbage scavengers affected by project implementation.

The Colombian Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Territorial Development is responsible for project implementation. This fixed-rate loan in United States dollars has a 15.5-year payback period and a 10-year grace period. A front-end fee (FEF) of 0.25% of the total amount has been agreed upon, to be paid with government resources. The project period spans from October 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013.

For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit:

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Strengthening Dispute Resolution Systems

2009-07-21T17:42:39.000Z

WEBAgenda-Bios_.pdf

The project Public Financial Management Project (02) has changed to Closed

2009-07-07T04:00:00.000Z

The project Public Financial Management Project (02) has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Second Public Financial Management Project for Colombia has two developmental aims. It strengthens the capacity of the Direccion de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (Directorate of National Taxes and Customs)(DIAN) to foster voluntary compliance; collects revenues efficiently, effectively, and equitably; and combats tax evasion and smuggling, for the DIAN to mobilize adequate tax revenues to finance public expenditures. It also aims to strengthen public expenditure management at the central government level, to facilitate achievement of fiscal and national development objectives, improve cost effectiveness of public services, and increase transparency and accountability. The project has two main components: revenue administration and public expenditure. The first component comprises six sub-components which strengthen organization and management of the DIAN; facilitate voluntary compliance; improve the effectiveness of the DIAN in managing routine processing of tax declarations and payments, and cargo, customs declarations, and payments; strengthen the capacity of the DIAN in enforcement operations; and improve policy and the legal framework of revenue administration. The second component comprises three sub-components that improve macro-programming and formulation and monitoring of the budget; strengthen budget execution, treasury, and public credit and accounting; improve the evaluation of results of public expenditure; and strengthen public procurement and contracting.

The project CO TAL to support the 2nd PSAL has changed to Closed

2009-07-02T04:00:00.000Z

The project CO TAL to support the 2nd PSAL has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Technical Assistance Loan to support the Second Programmatic Labor Reform and Social Structural Adjustment Loan Project seeks to assist the Department of National Planning (DNP), and the Ministries of Social Protection (MSP) and Education (MEN) improve their knowledge, develop effective instruments, and strengthen their ability to carry out the reforms supported by the Programmatic Labor and Social Structural Adjustment Loan. Specifically, the project's main development objectives include the promotion of results-based management of reforms, and strengthening of: a) MSP's capacity to implement a coherent social protection reform, that encompasses employment, training, health and social assistance for the poor and vulnerable; b) MEN'S ability to implement education decentralization reforms, mandated by Law 715 more effectively, analyze primary and secondary school integration, and evaluate the school readiness of 5-year old children; and, c) DNP's capacity for institutionalizing periodic evaluation and monitoring of national social programs for citizens' oversight and feedback.

The project Cartagena Water Supply, Sewerage and Environmental Management Project has changed to Closed

2009-06-29T04:00:00.000Z

The project Cartagena Water Supply, Sewerage and Environmental Management Project has changed to Closed. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The development objectives of the Cartagena Water Supply, Sewerage and Environmental Management Project are to expand the water supply and sanitation coverage in the city, and improve the sector services, particularly those of the city's poor neighborhoods. The project components include: 1) expansion of the water supply system, to cover water production systems, increasing water coverage, and replacing primary distribution mains. Mitigation of the water treatment sludge environmental impact, will include remote control systems. An Unaccounted-For-Water reduction plan will also be included; 2) the expansion of the sewerage system in the Cienaga Basin, will enhance the conveyance capacity of existing sewage collectors which currently drain to the basin. Secondary sewerage will be expanded within this part of the city. New pressure lines, pumping stations, and gravity collectors will be constructed in residential areas; 3) the construction of the main wastewater conveyance system, consisting of reinforced concrete pressure pipe; 4) construction of wastewater treatment installations; 5) construction of a submarine out-fall; 6) Industrial wastewater discharge control; and, 7) mitigation measures due to the environmental and social impacts of the project.

World Bank Appoints New Country Director for Colombia and Mexico

2009-06-24T20:51:13.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar (202) 473 6768

gaguilar2@worldbank.org

In Mexico City: Fernanda Zavaleta (52-55) 54804252

fzavaleta@worldbank.org

In Colombia: Maria Clara Ucros (57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

http://www.bancomundial.org/mx

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 – Pamela Cox, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean announced the appointment of Gloria M. Grandolini as new Country Director for Colombia and Mexico. Ms Grandolini will be based in Mexico City and her appointment will be effective September 14^th, 2009.

“As the new country director for Mexico and Colombia, Gloria will continue to work closely with these two key partner countries to facilitate innovative development solutions to respond to the impact of the global crisis and other long term challenges,” said Pamela Cox. “I am confident that she will build on our existing relationship and leverage the leadership of both countries to address global and regional issues.”

Since joining the World Bank in 1990 as part of the Young Professionals Program, Ms. Grandolini has held various positions, most recently as Director of the Banking and Debt Management Department in the World Bank Treasury where she oversaw the development and delivery of the Bank's financial products and services to clients and staff in 23 countries. Before that she was Senior Advisor to the Executive Director representing Italy, Portugal, Albania, Greece, Malta, and San Marino in the Board of the World Bank Group. Earlier in her career she worked as Country Economist for El Salvador and as Senior Financial Economist in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

A national of Italy, Ms. Grandolini holds a Ph.D. in international economics and a master in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, as well as a master’s degree in foreign service from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Ms. Grandolini will replace Mr. Axel van Trotsenburg, who has been appointed Vice President for Concessional Finance and Partnerships. Axel van Trotsenburg, an Austrian and Dutch national, has been the World Bank’s Country Director for Colombia and Mexico since July 1, 2007. The Concessional Finance and Partnerships Vice Presidency plays a pivotal role in the Bank’s efforts to scale up its International Development Association and Trust Fund support for clients hit hard by the crisis.

For more information on the World Bank in Mexico, please visit:

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The project Additional Financing for Peace and Development Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-06-13T04:00:00.000Z

The project Additional Financing for Peace and Development Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project AF II Integrated Mass Transit System Project is now in the pipeline.

2009-05-08T04:00:00.000Z

The project AF II Integrated Mass Transit System Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Colombia Finance and Private Sector Development is now in the pipeline.

2009-04-30T04:00:00.000Z

The project Colombia Finance and Private Sector Development is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Rio Bogota Environmental Infrastructure is now in the pipeline.

2009-04-21T04:00:00.000Z

The project Rio Bogota Environmental Infrastructure is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project CO Protection Land and Patrimony of IDP is now in the pipeline.

2009-01-28T05:00:00.000Z

The project CO Protection Land and Patrimony of IDP is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Colombia: Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project

2008-12-18T23:03:47.000Z

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2008 - The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IBRD Loan: US$150 Million

TERMS: Maturity = 24 years; Grace= 11 years

Project Description: The Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project for Colombia aims to strengthen the Government of Colombia’s program for reducing risks resulting from adverse natural events. The operation supports an institutional effort widely perceived as necessary and which the Government is already actively implementing, in part with support from the Bank through two previous lending operations. This CAT DDO will replace an existing contingent line of credit included as a component in the disaster vulnerability reduction adaptable program loan (APL).

Media Contact

Patricia Da Camara

(202) 473-4019

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P113084

For project documents, please visit:

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Colombia: Third Programmatic Development Policy Loan (DPL) for Sustainable Development Project (SusDevDPL III)

2008-12-18T23:01:17.000Z

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2008 - The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IBRD Loan: US$450 million

TERMS: Maturity = 24 years; Grace = 11 years

Project Description: The Third Programmatic Development Policy Loan (DPL) for Sustainable Development Project (SusDevDPL III) for Colombia aims to support the government of Colombia’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It particularly supports Goal seven which seeks to ensure environmental sustainability. The SusDevDPL III continues efforts to prepare critical sustainable development policies, strengthen Sistema Nacional de Ambiente (SINA) agencies, and implement a system to monitor regional and national environmental performance.

Media Contact

Patricia Da Camara

(202) 473-4019

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101211

For project documents, please visit:

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Colombia: Familias en Acción Project for Colombia

2008-12-18T22:58:34.000Z

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2008 - The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IBRD Loan: US$636.5 million

TERMS: Maturity = Fixed Spread Loan with a non-level repayment schedule

Project Description: This project aims to: 1) complement the income of poor families with children; 2) promote human capital formation of poor children by increasing regular check-ups, for growth monitoring and other services, and by increasing enrollment and school attendance; and 3) strengthen program quality. The project has one component: consolidation and expansion of the Familias Program. The program is directed to poor families with children below 18 years of age. Familias is a conditional cash transfer program which disburses cash transfers (grants) to families conditional on compliance with certain requirements. Currently, these include: a) assuring that children 0-6, regularly visit health centers for growth monitoring and other services, according to Ministry of Social Protection (MSP) protocols; and b) assuring that children 7-17 years of age enroll in school and attend classes no less than 80 percent of the time.

Media Contact

Patricia Da Camara

(202) 473-4019

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101211

For project documents, please visit:

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Colombia: World Bank Supports Social and Environmental Objectives with US$1.2 Billion

2008-12-18T22:32:05.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Patricia da Camara

(202) 473-4019

In Bogotá: María Clara Ucrós

(57-1) 326-3600 ext. 259

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101211

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2008 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today a three-loan package for Colombia totaling US$1.2 billion to support strategic government programs to cope with the effects of the global economic crisis.

The Families in Action program will receive US$636.5 million to expand assistance to the poorest sectors of the population. Meanwhile, US$600 million have been approved to support sustainable development and natural disaster risk management (US$450 million and US$150 million, respectively).

“The operations recently approved are part of the alliance between Colombia and the World Bank, which seeks to continue promoting social and economic development with environmental protection,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Director for Colombia and Mexico. “This financing arrives in an opportune moment taking into consideration the complex global financing panorama,” he added.

1.5 Million Families to Benefit

A key part of the new package is Families in Action, which will provide assistance to approximately 1.7 million poor families until 2010 through the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. Under the program, the head of household commits to send children to school and provide medical check-ups on a regular basis in exchange for monetary support.

“This loan will help us consolidate the strategy so that the Colombia’s poorest population and the displaced population have access to basic services such as health and education; also, it supports the program because we will be working in this next stage in the prevention of alcoholism and teenage pregnancy,” said Luis Alfonso Hoyos, Director of Social Action in Colombia.

The loan for Families in Action seeks to:

o Supplement the income of poor families with children under 18 years of age;

o Improve opportunities for poor children by establishing regular check-ups and school attendance;

o Improve the quality of the program;

o Promote human capital formation, especially among poor children by increasing medical check-ups and school assistance; and

o Improve program management.

The Environmental and Natural Disaster Risk Management Agenda

“Both operations form an integral part of an extensive and long-term policy dialogue that accompanies the financial support to the environmental agenda. We are also pleased to continue our close collaboration on natural disaster risk management,” added van Trotsenburg.

The US$450 million loan for Sustainable Development Policies will support sustainable development and promote institutional reforms to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly those pertaining to environmental sustainability.

The project has two objectives:

o Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Environment System (SINA) and

o Integrate the principles of sustainable development in productive sectors, with particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups.

Key actions supported by this financing include:

· Implementing a monitoring and evaluation system that generates timely information for environmental management and decision making at a national and regional level;

· Improving the identification of environmental priorities;

· Institutionalizing instruments in the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development and the National Planning Department in order to optimize environmental administration and improve the sustainable development indicators;

· Creating a national health policy that includes air and water quality in the National Development Plan; and

· Developing an urban environmental policy.

Also included is a US$150 million loan to improve the government’s Natural Disaster Risk Management Program.

The Deferred Drawdown Option (DDO) for financing contingencies was the credit instrument chosen for this loan. This instrument guarantees immediate access to World Bank funds in the event of a natural disaster. The government requested this option because it provides the flexibility to withdraw the resources only if necessary while the general program implementation continues.

The program will improve risk identification and mitigation, increase prevention measures, reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, and improve the services provided by the National Disaster Prevention and Management System.

The operation continues previous Bank commitments for natural disaster risk management through adaptable policies loans aimed at reducing vulnerability during disasters.

This financing comes under the new Country Partnership Strategy approved last April, which embodies the evolutionary strategy for working with medium income countries of the World Bank Group by means of flexible programming, advisory services and customized technical assistance, as well as long term financing with very competitive conditions and interest rates.

Together with previous loans, World Bank lending to Colombia this year has reached US$2.16 billion, the most ever between the Bank and Colombia.

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For more information on these projects, please visit:

Families in Action

Sustainable Development Policies

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101301

Natural Disaster Risk Management Program

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P113084

For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit:

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Colombia: WB Supports the Government in Improving Accountability

2008-12-15T21:04:32.000Z

Contacts:

In Bogotá: María Clara Ucrós (57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

In Washington: Patricia da Camara (202) 473 4019

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P099139

WASHINGTON, December 15, 2008 –The World Bank (WB) approved a loan for US$8.5 million for the Strengthening Public Information, Monitoring and Evaluation for Results Management Project in Colombia. The loan seeks to increase the use of evaluation to help improve the design of public policies in Colombia, improve the allocation of public spending, and increase government accountability.

The Colombian government has made considerable advances in creating and strengthening its Monitoring and Evaluation System, one of the most advanced in Latin America. This project intends to strengthen and expand the innovations in the system.

This is the first loan in the region to be completely centered on supporting information, monitoring and evaluation. Financing is structured within the Adaptable Program Loan for Statistical Capacity (STATCAP), which acts as a window for loans to support activities and knowledge from the Bank in information, monitoring and evaluation.

“Expanding the base of knowledge that informs government policy makers should lead us to considerable gains in the future regarding the efficiency in the execution of public spending,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Director for Colombia and Mexico. “A successful monitoring and evaluation system is one that provides high quality information to the civil society and to the government, but at the same time uses this information intensely to support good governance. It must be sustainable and survive the changes in governments, that is, it must be well institutionalized,” he added.

The project seeks to generate high quality information on a sub-national level. The lack of information on the execution of the central government’s budget on a departmental and municipal level, as well as the little information on results of public investing, are impediments to budgeting and better planning.

The project has the following components:

· Institutional strengthening for monitoring and evaluation of public investing projects at the national and sub-national level.

· Consolidate and expand the use of the national monitoring and evaluation system.

· Support the development of local monitoring and evaluation systems.

· Establish the mechanisms to improve the quality and the relevance of public information.

“We are satisfied that the government has asked us for technical assistance and financing to support the Colombian government’s monitoring and evaluation system. The goal is to increase the use of evaluation in the government, as well as Congress and civil society,” said Gladys López Acevedo, World Bank Senior Economist and project leader. “Increasing evaluation together with quality information is the key to accountability for the better instrumentation of public policies and exercise of spending,” she added.

To obtain the expected results it will be necessary to strengthen both the supply and demand sides of evaluation. For the supply side, it will be necessary to improve the quality and the credibility of the monitoring of information with improved production standards. For the demand side, more attention should be paid to monitoring information and the result of the evaluations that involve Ministers, public administration and the civil society. This will require a long-term cultural change.

This financing is consistent with the new Country Partnership Strategy approved last April, which recognizes it is essential to maintain fast and sustainable growth, promote competitiveness in the productive sectors, and improve the access of public information services through accountability in order to improve planning and executing the budget.

The total cost of the project is US$15.8 million, of which the World Bank will contribute US$8.5 million and the Colombian government US$7.3 million. The loan will take effect January 15, 2009.

The Department of National Planning is in charge of the loan’s execution. It is a Specific Investment Loan (under the STATCAP program). Technical assistance will be provided through the program for a period of five years. It is a fixed-spread loan in American dollars, to be paid in the next 17.5 years with a 8.5-year grace period. A front end fee of 0.25 percent of the total amount has been agreed. The project is expected to conclude by March 15, 2014.

About STATCAP

The Adaptable Program Loan STATCAP seeks to improve statistic capacity through a sectorial approach. In order to access this program the borrowers will be required to meet the following selection criteria:

· Prepare a national strategy for statistical development and a master plan on statistics.

· A strong commitment and leadership on a national level.

· The will to accomplish healthy statistical practices.

· Participate in global development and monitoring activities.

· Implement sustainable institutional and financial agreements.

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For more information on the project, please visit:

For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/co

Consultations on the Bank Web Site

2008-12-09T15:37:38.000Z

Dear reader,

A few years ago, the World Bank’s Web site was noted as a leader among development organizations’ websites. As technology has rapidly advanced and user expectations evolved, our Web site too needs to change and adapt.

You come to our Web site because you are looking for the latest information on development. Our project information, data and research assist you in tackling your challenges or keeping up on the Bank’s activities.

Now we’re catching up. We are revamping our Web site and expanding our online capabilities to better satisfy our business needs and meet audience demands.

We’re examining all aspects of the site—content, technology, business needs and audience demands—to figure out what needs to stay, be improved or be removed.

This is a complex undertaking. We are currently gathering information to determine requirements for our future site.

Through our open online consultation, we are looking for comments from anyone who wishes to discuss their information needs and any difficulties they encounter with the site. The online consultation period ends on December 31, 2008.

All feedback we receive will inform the future design and functionality of the Web site by informing Bank management on audience needs.

Our ultimate goal is to make the Web site better support the institution’s mission of fighting global poverty and helping countries develop.

Your feedback will bring us closer to this goal.

Thank you,

Angie Gentile
Managing Editor, www.worldbank.org

The project Disaster Risk Management DPL w/Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option is now in the pipeline.

2008-11-11T05:00:00.000Z

The project Disaster Risk Management DPL w/Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project for Colombia is to strengthen the Government's program for reducing risks resulting from adverse natural events. The operation supports an institutional effort widely perceived necessary and which the Government is already actively implementing, in part with support from the Bank through two previous lending operations. This CAT DDO will replace an existing contingent line of credit included as a component in the disaster vulnerability reduction adaptable program loan (APL). Funds may be drawn down upon occurrence of a natural disaster resulting in a declaration by decree of a state of national disaster by the president of Colombia, in accordance with Law Decree (Decreto Ley), or as may be amended by the Borrower at the time of disbursement. Since the law was passed in 1989 there have been nine declarations of emergency: five for municipal emergencies, three for departmental emergencies, and one for a national emergency.

The project CO Third Sustainable Develop DPL III is now in the pipeline.

2008-10-26T04:00:00.000Z

The project CO Third Sustainable Develop DPL III is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Third Programmatic Development Policy Loan (DPL) for Sustainable Development Project (SusDevDPL III) in Colombia. This DPL is the third in a series of three loans supporting the government's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It particularly supports Goal seven which seeks to ensure environmental sustainability, Target nine which aims to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs, Target ten which aims to reduce the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and Target eleven which aims to achieve a significant improvement in the lives of the urban poor. The first loan (SusDevDPL I),completed in FY06, focused on the initial steps of building a results-based framework for monitoring sustainable development goals, improving interinstitutional coordination mechanisms, and beginning preparation of critical decrees, while the second (SusDevDPL II),completed in FY08, focused on the development and passage of sustainable development policies. Annex two provides an overview of the achievements reached under the first and second operation. The SusDevDPL III continues efforts to prepare critical sustainable development policies, strengthen Sistema Nacional de Ambiente (SINA) agencies, and implement a system to monitor regional and national environmental performance.

Colombia: Bogota Urban Services Project Additional Financing

2008-10-21T23:35:22.000Z

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IBRD Loan: US$30 million

TERMS: Maturity= 10 years; Grace = 5 years

Project Description: The additional financing aims to increase activities related to urban mobility and strengthening institutions.

Media Contact

Gabriela Aguilar

(202) 473-6768

gaguilar@worldbank.org

For more project information please visit:

http://projportal.worldbank.org/servlet/secmain?menuPK=109012&theSitePK=213348&pagePK=112935&piPK=69345&PSPID=P112852

WB Grants Additional US$ 30 Million for the Bogota Urban Services Development Project

2008-10-21T21:14:56.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar

(202) 473 6768

In Colombia: Maria Clara Ucros

(57-1) 3263600 ext. 259

WASHINGTON, October 21, 2008 – The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a US$ 30 million loan in additional financing for the Bogota Urban Services Project aimed at increasing activities related to urban mobility and strengthening institutions.

In order to achieve these goals, plans have been made to design improvements on the Integrated Massive Transit System of the city, including the subway; lend technical assistance to help strengthen the Institute of Urban Development and support the Ministry of Finance for the District in strengthening and improving its fiscal management capacities and cadastre procedures.

“In offering these resources we reiterate our support to the District of Bogota and its 7 million inhabitants, so that through improved mobility they may seek better job options, education and social services, thus reducing urban poverty more efficiently”, said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Director for Colombia and Mexico. “The District has proved to be consistently innovative in urban development and has shown solid financial management that allows for an integral vision to improve quality in this important urban area.” he added.

This additional financing is in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2008-2012, “Bogota Positiva: para vivir mejor” (A Positive Bogota for a Better Life), which intends to improve the conditions of urban life by increasing access, coverage, quality and reliability in the provision of transportation for residents in low income areas. The program also supports the strategic goal “Sustainable Finances” which means to consolidate a sustainable fiscal model for the city’s administration.

The activities to be financed through this loan will be, essentially, technical assistance and investigation, as well as an extension on components of the initial project, such as:

Improved Urban Mobility.-. This component aims to expand and improve the integral net of urban public transport in Bogota, including development of the first subway line. With the expected integration of public urban transportation in mind, several investigations will be conducted: analysis on fiscal and environmental impacts; design and engineering studies, and the financial and legal framework for building and operating the subway, including matters related to structuring agreements with the private sector. Support will also be given to the implementation of the integration of public transport.

Strengthen institutions.-. On one hand, this component is aimed at strengthening the administrative capacity of the Urban Development Institute (IDU) in managing the city’s network of roads and, on the other hand, it has identified that land tax management and the cadastre administration requires special attention, in order to achieve a fiscal well being in the medium term.

"Bogotá has become a world referent in matters such as mobility and public spaces. The Bank financed the conceptualization study and part of the first phase of Transmilenio (80th street), and will now continue to help with the integration of the transport system and the future first subway line. The integration of public transport intends to give access to transportation to low income people and, given the elevated rates of motorized transportation, promote public transport over private, thus diminishing congestion and its impact on the environment ", said Mauricio Cuellar, Senior Transport Specialist and the project’s Team Leader.

This additional financing is consistent with the Country Partnership Strategy approved last April, which recognizes that it is essential to maintain sustainable and fast growth, promote competitiveness in the productive sectors and improve access to basic services for the underprivileged sectors.

The total amount of the additional financing required is US$ 62.60 million, of which the World Bank will cover US$ 30 million; the Inter-American Development Bank, US$ 10 million, and the District of Bogota US$ 22.60 million.

The agency responsible for the execution of the World Bank resources of the loan is the District of Bogota. It is a fixed spread loan payable in 10 years with a 5 year grace period. A front end fee was set at 0.25% of the total amount. The project is expected to be concluded by Julio 31, 2011.

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For more information on the World Bank in Colombia, please visit:

Global Food and Fuel Crisis Will Increase Malnourished by 44 Million

2008-10-08T17:30:00.000Z

Contacts:
In Washington :Carl Hanlon 202-473-8087; chanlon@worldbank.org;
Philip Hay 202-473-1796
phay@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2008 – High food and fuel prices will increase the number of malnourished people around the world in 2008 by 44 million to reach a total of 967 million, a report from the World Bank says.

While food and fuel price increases may have moderated in recent months, prices remain much higher than previous years and show few signs of declining significantly, according to the report entitled “Rising food and fuel prices: addressing the risks to future generations”. Poor families around the world are being pushed to the brink of survival, causing irreparable damage to the health of millions of children. As families cut back on spending, there are also grave risks for the educational performance of poor children.

“While people in the developed world are focused on the financial crisis, many forget that a human crisis is rapidly unfolding in developing countries. It is pushing poor people to the brink of survival,” said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. “The financial crisis will only make it more difficult for developing countries to protect their most vulnerable people from the impact of rising food and fuel costs.”

The report, due to be presented on Sunday to the Development Committee at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF, says the food and fuel crisis could have long term effects on poor people and countries. Malnourished children cannot develop into healthy adults and become productive members of society who can contribute to the growth needed to lift themselves and their country out of poverty.

The report says priority should be given to a series of targeted measures. These include:

Making existing targeted cash (or near cash) transfer programs more generous;
Getting nutrition to infants and pregnant women;
expanding so-called ”in-kind” food distribution programs including school feeding and the distribution of fortified calorically dense food;
using fee waivers, lifeline-pricing and other forms of targeted subsidies for poor users/consumers; and
introducing additional measures to prevent children from dropping out of school, such as fee waivers, subsidies for school inputs, or cash transfers.

The report also argues that allocating the necessary amount of budget to finance an expansion of safety net programs may require pruning less-priority spending in other areas. But it notes that well-designed safety net programs do not have to be prohibitively expensive to be effective. Some of the most successful programs in the world cost well under 1 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, investing in safety net programs now will give governments new tools to address not just the current crisis, but future ones as well.

In May, the World Bank launched a $1.2 billion rapid financing facility to help poor countries cope with the food crisis. Since then, around US$850 million has been committed to finance seeds, plantings, and feeding programs. In April, Zoellick called for a New Deal for Global Food Policy that included short, medium and long-term measures to provide immediate help to poor people and farmers while increasing food production.

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For more information on the Bank's work in nutrition, please visit: www.worldbank.org/nutrition

and for more on social safety nets, click here: www.worldbank.org/safetynets

Eduardo Somensatto Designated New Representative of WB

2008-08-26T19:30:56.000Z

Washington August 25, 2008 – Eduardo Somensatto will be the new World Bank Country Manager in Colombia, as announced on Thursday by Pamela Cox, Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean of the multilateral institution with headquarters in Washington.

Somensatto, a Brazilian national, has more than two decades of experience working for the World Bank in various positions, such as Country Manager in Ecuador and Guatemala, as well as Consultant in the Economic Policy Sector of the aforementioned Vice Presidency.

He joined the World Bank in 1988 as an economist in the Department of Economic Analysis and Projections. He graduated as an economist from the University of Michigan, and has a Masters Degree in Economy as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy from Georgetown University.

¨Eduardo Somensatto is up against a very important challenge: consolidating the recently approved Country Partnership Strategy 2008 - 2011, which was structured around Colombia’s National Development Plan which contemplates an active program of credits for approximately US$ 1,000 million per year, as well as services in technical assistance and consultancy", said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Country Director for Colombia and Mexico.

The Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) was approved in April by the WB Board of Directors and it establishes the work and the range of measures that will be undertaken during the 2008 – 2011 period, developed jointly by the multilateral organization and the Colombian government.

Based on the National Development Plan and its six main pillars (peace, security, equity, high and sustainable growth, environmental sustainability and good governance), it focuses on flexible programming and risk management, rapid response, innovative analytical products prepared jointly, sub national finances, public associations – privates ones, contingency credits and insurance mechanisms.

"We are positive that Somensatto´s presence in the country will help us maintain, not only the level of fluid and constant dialogue that we already have with the government, but to allow us to more closely support the persistent challenges in terms of extreme poverty and profound inequality that continue to overwhelm the country", added van Trotsenburg¨.

During this week, van Trotsenburg and Somensatto will meet with Colombian Government authorities, representatives of the Bank of the Republic, leaders of opinions, as well as visiting some of the projects that the World Bank is financing in Colombia.

For more information on the World Bank in Colombia, please visit: