LatinNews Daily - 02 October 2020

* The World Bank (WB) has approved a US$500m loan to support the Colombian government’s efforts to protect access to infrastructure and utilities in the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which has put pressure on the provision of electricity, water, public transport, and other services. Ulrich Zachau, the WB director for Colombia and Venezuela, emphasised the importance of the infrastructure sector “within a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the economy”, and voiced optimism that this loan will have “a positive impact on job creation, competitiveness, and growth”. Colombia’s finance minister, Alberto Carrasquilla, said that these funds would help the country to bridge its fiscal deficit without needing to cut back spending on the provision of key utilities and services, which help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable.

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