The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $233.2 million results-based loan to expand access to reliable and safe water supply services in rural areas of Georgia. The new initiative, known as the Clean, Local, Equitable Access to Reliable Water (CLEAR) Program, aims to ensure sustainable and inclusive water supply for residents in at least 100 rural settlements across the country. The project will focus on expanding and rehabilitating outdated water infrastructure to provide continuous and safe drinking water to communities that have long suffered from limited access.
Building on more than a decade of ADB’s assistance to Georgia’s water sector, the program extends the Bank’s previous efforts that enabled 24-hour water supply in 13 cities nationwide. The initiative aligns with Georgia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to bridge the urban–rural divide in water service delivery and promote social and economic development in underserved areas. It will also support the development of a national strategy for the Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) sector beyond 2030, helping guide future reforms and infrastructure investments.
The CLEAR program emphasizes the construction and rehabilitation of climate- and disaster-resilient water systems, while enhancing water sector governance. It includes capacity building for executing and implementing agencies, and introduces new regulations for operation and maintenance to ensure efficient, sustainable services. Modern digital tools will be adopted to improve planning, management, and monitoring processes.
A key focus of the program is improving climate resilience by diversifying water sources and promoting efficient distribution networks. The initiative is also expected to create economic opportunities, enhance health and hygiene, and reduce the household workload on women, who are primarily responsible for managing water in rural homes.
ADB selected the results-based loan model as the most effective approach for this rural water project, given the varied and localized nature of the infrastructure works. The program will fill critical investment gaps, strengthen government capacity, and support the implementation of Georgia’s long-term WSS service goals.
Since 2007, ADB has provided $5 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance to Georgia, making it one of the country’s key multilateral partners. The Bank’s ongoing support is guided by a five-year country partnership strategy aimed at fostering green and inclusive growth, climate resilience, and regional integration, reinforcing ADB’s commitment to sustainable development in Georgia and across the Asia-Pacific region.
