A $47 million loan will focus on supporting the Autonomous Municipal Government of El Alto in developing its urban infrastructure, citizen services and planning capabilities.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $47 million loan for Bolivia, to help reduce traffic congestion in the La Ceja area, improving planning capacity, urban management, road infrastructure and decentralizing the services provided to citizens by the Municipal Self-Government of El Alto (GAMEA).
As a result of its strategic location bordering the La Paz municipality, La Ceja has become the only location in El Alto where transportation hubs and the main commercial and service activities coincide, particularly those provided by the various levels of government. Living on the outskirts of the city forces most people to travel long distances to reach this commercial and service center, or travel to La Paz. The ensuing concentration of people and vehicles results in heavy congestion.
The program proposes urban restructuring through two operations. The first operation will support strategic urban actions at different points in the city. The second operation will finance improvements in infrastructure and urban spaces—as well as organizing commercial and vehicle activities.
It will also help GAMEA strengthen its urban planning and management capacities and provide the city with a medium and long-term vision, and a management system that makes it possible to monitor the progress of infrastructure works undertaken by GAMEA.
The IDB's lending consists of $37.6 million from the Ordinary Capital (OC) and $9.4 million from the concessional Fund for Special Operations (FSO). The OC tranche is for a 30-year term, with a 6 year grace period, and carries a fix interest rate; the FSO component is for a 40-year term, with 40 years of grace, and 0.25 percent interest.