By KYIV. Dec 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Government of Norway has signed an agreement with the World Bank Regional Office for Eastern Europe to allocate NOK 1 billion to the World Bank Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, the press service of the Norwegian government said.
"There is an urgent need to repair the electricity supply system and other infrastructure in Ukraine following Russia’s bombing campaign against civilian targets. I am pleased that we have signed an agreement today to provide NOK 1 billion to help get repair work under way quickly," Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.
The World Bank is using the fund to further mobilize crisis support to the Ukrainian authorities, along with support for critical infrastructure repairs and longer-term reconstruction.
"The World Bank is an organisation that has a proven ability to deliver and has rapidly mobilised substantial funding to help Ukraine. Channelling funding through the World Bank ensures that it will be used effectively and for the agreed purposes. It also ensures that our efforts are coordinated with those of other donors, and that the support we provide delivers maximum results," the minister said.
The Norwegian funding will be used to provide World Bank grants offering flexible support for the repair, rehabilitation and preparation for reconstruction of critical infrastructure facilities.
