The World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday announced two landmark projects targeting non-communicable diseases and infrastructure development in Fiji and Tonga.
Valued at $236.5 million, the initiatives will be implemented through the Full Mutual Reliance Framework, an innovative co-financing model that allows countries to work with a single lead lender—either the World Bank or ADB—overseeing all aspects of project design, preparation, supervision, and evaluation, reports BSS.
The announcement was made jointly by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and ADB President Masato Kanda.
The Fiji project, led by the World Bank, will modernize primary healthcare networks and support the construction of a state-of-the-art regional hospital, improving access to treatment for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other major health conditions.
The Tonga project, led by ADB under the Sustainable Economic Corridors and Urban Resilience (SECURE) initiative, will deliver major upgrades to Greater Nuku’alofa’s transport network, urban drainage systems, and the 720-meter Fanga’uta Lagoon Bridge. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity to the airport and port, improve market access for rural residents, and provide secure evacuation routes during disasters, including tsunamis.
“Our goal is to make development finance simpler, faster, and more effective,” ADB President Masato Kanda said.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga highlighted the broader impact: “This is an important step forward for the World Bank and ADB—far more importantly, for the countries and communities who count on us to deliver real results.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
