Armenia recently received a $49 million loan and a $900,000 grant from the Asian Development Bank to support its road and water sectors.

Armenia’s 4,785-mile road network is majorly substandard due to low investment and a lack of maintenance expertise. The landlocked country has seen challenges arise in its public management systems’ oversight of its network, which includes more than 500 managers with varying capabilities and capacities.

Similarly, Armenia’s water services network is challenged, as half of the system needs upgrading and many are without clean piped water.

The funds will go toward a program that blends expertise and resources across many government agencies, and aims to provide a realistic and integrated course of action for roads and drinking water.

“The program will promote more efficient service delivery in the road and drinking water sectors in Armenia through a clearer focus on results, and joint work on more effective and timely ways to achieve them,” said Yesim Elhan-Kayalar, ADB’s principal public management specialist.