The World Bank Group has approved a €191.5 million ($219.4 million) loan to modernize public transport, water and sanitation infrastructure in the Turkish cities of Antalya and Konya.
The Green and Future Cities Project will finance the expansion and modernization of public transportation systems, including tramlines and low-emission vehicles, along with drinking-water networks, wastewater treatment and sanitation systems, the bank said on Friday.
The project will be implemented through İller Bankası, or ILBANK, a state-owned development bank that finances municipal infrastructure, with a guarantee from the Turkish government.
The financing will also support energy-efficiency measures and projects designed to protect cities against flooding, drought, extreme heat and other climate risks.
The World Bank said the project would provide technical assistance to ILBANK and participating municipalities to improve project preparation, financial management and urban planning.
“Türkiye’s cities are key drivers of economic growth and job creation but also face increasing pressures from rapid urbanization and climate change,” World Bank Country Director for Turkey J. Humberto Lopez said.
The World Bank said the project is intended to help municipalities prepare projects that can attract long-term financing and private investment.