Infrastructure project targets rural poor

The African Development Bank has approved a loan of 7.17 billion CFA for a national rural infrastructure support programme in Guinea, the bank reported on Wednesday. "The [US $3.5 million] project will contribute to reduction of poverty and improve the living conditions of rural communities through the rehabilitation of rural roads that will help open up 70 rural development communities," according to a press statement from the bank. "The improvement in land acquisition practices will stimulate production and promote investment and social peace," it said. The programme aims to open up rural development communities and improve land acquisition in the prefectures of Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Koubia, Mali, Mandiana , Télimélé, Tougué, Lélouma, Pita and Siguiri, the ADB stated. Some 1,960 km of rural roads will also be improved and a rural road management and maintenance system established through the creation of village road maintenance committees. A pilot demonstration and land management improvement operation is to be put in place, as well as training on the use of appropriate instruments to protect land rights in the districts of Banko and Koudian, according to the bank. The rural infrastructure project is also intended to strengthen a decentralisation process in Guinea and facilitate access to markets and social services.