World Bank boost to reintegration programme

The World Bank (WB) on Monday said two recently approved projects for Angola worth nearly US $50 million would bolster reconstruction and economic recovery efforts following decades of civil war. "From all indications the government and other interested parties are committed to lasting peace which is encouraging for the donor community. The grant signals that the World Bank supports this new dispensation and hopes to maintain this renewed trust between ourselves and the government," World Bank Country Manager in Luanda, Laurence Clarke, told IRIN. The bulk of the funds (US $33 million) will go toward supporting the government's existing demobilisation, resettlement and reintegration programme. "Although the funds are not earmarked for any specific activity within the programme there is consideration for the rebuilding of infrastructure, especially schools and clinics in those communities where people are resettling," Clarke added. The Bank's assistance comes amid growing concerns over the slow pace of delivery of assistance to ex-UNITA combatants. In December last year the government cited financial difficulties as a reason for the delay and requested support from the international community. Demobilised soldiers have been promised the equivalent of US $100 and resettlement packages consisting of blankets, seeds, and tools. Officials also say they will try to find suitable land where ex-combatants can settle. However, by the end of January 2003 about 90,000 ex-combatants had undergone the registration process while an estimated 15,000 were still waiting to move to their designated reception areas from the provinces, as well as from neighbouring countries. The government now estimates that it may take up to one year to transfer the remaining ex-combatants and their dependants from their present locations to a total of over 600 areas designated for their resettlement. "We welcome the World Bank initiative but the government must ensure that this money is spent in all parts of Angola and not just in Luanda. We also urge greater transparency in how the money is spent. This will go a long way to showing the international community that we [Angola] are serious about good governance," UNITA foreign secretary Alcides Sakala told IRIN. Clarke said the remaining US $17 million would finance the Economic Management Technical Assistance project which would increase transparency in public resource management. "One of the conditions before any of the money is disbursed is that a free-standing financial and auditing system be set up within the government. There will be regular auditing to assess just exactly how the money is being used," Clarke told IRIN. Angola has in the past been accused of corruption and last year the International Monetary Fund found that nearly US $1 billion had disappeared from government finances in 2001. The government has dismissed the allegations.