(VOVworld)- The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved more than $500 million in support for improvements to road and bridge connections as well as flood control and sanitation conditions in Vietnam.

A US$385-million results-based operation called Local Bridge Construction and Road Asset Management will enhance road access and lower road users’ transport costs in participating provinces that include more than 2.5 million people and 800 isolated communities.  It supports parts of the National Strategy on Rural Transport Development, including US$135 million for the rehabilitation of 676 kilometers and maintenance of 48,578 kilometers of local roads in 14 targeted provinces. It also provides US$245.5 million for the reconstruction or construction of 2,174 small bridges to isolated and impoverished communities in 50 provinces across Vietnam under the Local Bridge Construction Component, along with US$4.5 million in technical assistance for project completion. The project will provide flood control infrastructure, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, and strengthen capacity in the province for flood forecasting and prevention, as well as for better use of water resources.  The project will protect more than 255,000 residents — 60% in rural areas and 40 percent in urban areas and small towns, and about 5,720 hectares out of 8,390 frequently flooded hectares from the floods of ten year return period.