The World Bank granted EUR 81m to Bulgaria by the project "Development of Municipal Infrastrcture" approved by the board of directors of the bank last week.

The loan will be used for financed of 48 regional master plans of water supply and sewerage systems including 40 plans of towns within the six planning regions as well as the completion of three dams and rehabilitation of a fourth.

The loan maturity term is 19 years with a 7-year free period. It was negotiated a year ago within the Strategic Partnership with Bulgaria (2006-2009) agreement aiming to supporting the country accession to the European Union.

The shortage of drinkable water in some zones in the country is critical for the latest years because of the periods of draught especially in 2007.