ALGETI - SADAKHLO ROAD (FL 20170159)

Upgrade of the Algeti-Sadakhlo road (approximately 30 km), which will connect a transit corridor of the E-60 Highway to the Armenian border.

The proposed loan will support the Georgian Government in completing the implementation of its national priority 2017-2020 construction and upgrading programme for the road network. The objective is to promote sustainable road infrastructure development providing efficient transportation, enhancing cross border and regional connectivity, the population's local mobility and ensuring short- and long-term benefits for all road users.

If located in the EU, the operation would be subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2014/52/EU amending EIA Directive 2011/92/EU) and the Birds and Habitats Directives (2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC respectively). Those investment schemes which would normally fall under Annex I and/or are screened in, would require an EIA. The EIA process and approval, biodiversity assessment requirements, climate adaptation, social impacts and mitigation measures will be further checked during the appraisal. In particular, the Bank's services will discuss with the competent authorities the environment permits needed to implement the investment schemes, as well as any social and land acquisition issues and protected areas affected by these sub-projects.

The operation will be implemented with other international financial institutions. The Bank will require the Promoter to ensure that any procurement procedures on the road sections financed by the Bank are done in accordance with the EIB Guide to Procurement and the relevant applicable EU public procurement rules.

This operation is covered by the ELM Guarantee.