The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved 150 million U.S. dollars in a loan to water supply and sanitation projects in central China's Henan Province, according to a statement by the bank.

The projects help improve water supply and wastewater management in 38 towns under 12 municipalities of Henan Province, through the construction of water production facilities, water distribution networks, wastewater collection pipes and wastewater treatment facilities, said the bank.

The projects are some of the first group of the bank's major projects targeted to support rural towns' efforts to cope with rapid urbanization -- a key development challenge given that around 70 percent of rural-urban migrants over the coming decade are expected to settle in towns rather than in big cities, according to the bank.

The projects will address issues of water scarcity, and will provide technical assistance for institutional development including regional planning for rural town development, water sector regulations, and project management and utility staff training, said the bank.

The projects will help improve living conditions and the economic growth of participating rural towns with relatively low incomes, it said.

Source: Xinhua