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From Africa Recovery, Vol.17 #1 (May 2003), page 28 ANGOLA The World Bank has decided to grant Angola nearly $50 mn to boost its reconstruction and economic recovery efforts, following decades of civil war. The bulk of the funds ($33 mn) will help to support the government's programme for the demobilization, resettlement and reintegration of former combatants, as well as for rebuilding infrastructure, especially schools and clinics in communities where people are being resettled. "From all indications, the government and other interested parties are committed to lasting peace. The grant signals that the World Bank supports this new dispensation and hopes to maintain this renewed trust between ourselves and the government," said Mr. Laurence Clarke, the World Bank's new country manager in Luanda. It is the World Bank's first financing agreement with Angola since 2000. The grant comes amid growing concern over the slow delivery of assistance to an estimated 105,000 former combatants of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). These former rebels, along with 33,000 former government soldiers, have each been promised resettlement packages of blankets, seeds and tools worth $100, as well as access to suitable land for resettlement. Citing financial difficulties for the delay, the government appealed in December for international support. Reflecting concern among donor agencies over allegations of
corruption in the Angolan administration, the remaining $17 mn
of the World Bank grant will be allocated to increasing transparency
in public resource management. Mr. Clarke noted that one condition
for the disbursement of any money is that the government set
up an autonomous financial and auditing system. "There will
be regular auditing to assess just exactly how the money is being
used," he said. This article may be freely reproduced, with attribution to
"Africa Recovery, United Nations". Africa Recovery Tel: (212) 963-6857
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