National Rural Infrastructure Project

,,As stated in Schedule 2 to the Development Credit Agreement, the objective of the project is : 'to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of the rural population in the territory of the Borrower through provision, and enhanced financial and environmental sustainability of basic rural infrastructure, including: (a) irrigation infrastructure; (b) rural transport infrastructure; (c) safe drinking water supply; and (d) sanitation facilities.'Phase I of the long-term program (the project) will have two main objectives:(i),,an institutional objective aimed at assisting the Malian government in establishing the new institutional framework for the provision and management of rural infrastructure, which includes: (a) the redefinition of the role of the central government, local governments, local communities and the private sector; (b) the setting-up of effective mechanisms to plan, finance and manage infrastructure; and (c) improving the capacities of stakeholders at all levels in carrying out these responsibilities. This will involve, among other things: piloting irrigation development financing mechanisms based on enhanced investment cost recovery from beneficiaries; testing and refining the demand-driven, decentralized approach to delivering rural water supply and sanitation programs, and local transport infrastructure; putting in place a second-generation road maintenance financing mechanism (the Road Authority); and promoting the emergence of a vibrant local entrepreneur sector for decentralized service/investment delivery to rural clients.(ii),,an investment objective aimed at supporting priority/pilot investments in irrigation development (9,300 ha), feeder road rehabilitation (472 km), water supply development (1,300 water facilities), and sanitation programs.