Govt approves US$100mn credit line for rural water, irrigation

Bolivia's government has said it will make US$100mn in credit available for rural municipalities to develop potable water and irrigation projects, local daily Los Tiempos reported. The finances will be allocated to 328 of the country's 337 municipalities, excluding cities in capital La Paz, according to President Evo Morales. "This US$100mn will ease the lack of water in rural areas in many cases. The projects should be developed by irrigators, farmers, and social movements which are focused on production," Morales was quoted as saying. Local governments will prepare projects for approval and authorities are due to start releasing the funds in April.