MANILA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday said it has approved a sovereign-guaranteed local currency loan of up to 291.49 million U.S. dollars equivalent to reconstruct 208 km of road in central Kazakhstan that will improve domestic and regional connectivity, road safety, and promote national and international trade.
The project will upgrade the existing two-lane highway connecting Kyzylorda to Zhezkazgan to a higher standard, climate-resilient two-lane road.
The rehabilitated road is projected to provide all-weather access and reduce travel time from four to two hours on the route.
Kazakhstan faces significant challenges in leveraging its strategic position due to inefficiencies and high costs in transport and logistics. The country has also seen a high traffic fatality rate, with 12.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, said the ADB.
The bank said the project incorporates rumble strips, safer pedestrian crossings, and interchanges to improve road safety. These measures are expected to significantly reduce accidents and enhance the overall safety of the road corridor. ■
