Notes from the Civil Society Policy Forum session on 24 March.
Lesotho
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
A new a new Enhanced Private Sector Program for the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP) is due to discussed. Cambodia’s investment plan has been approved. Social, environmental and financial risks related to a Nicaragua geothermal project were raised.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 14
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) Monitor, including an update on the Green Climate Fund, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Climate Investment Funds Monitor 13
New edition of the Bretton Woods Project's biannual Climate Investment Fund (CIFs) Monitor, published to coincide with the World Bank-hosted CIFs trust fund committee meetings.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Concerns continues over slow progress in implementing the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP) investments plans and lack of funding for new pilot countries, as well as constraints on grant resources. The CIF strategic directions paper proposed an enhanced private sector programme for energy access. Questions on consideration of indigenous peoples were raised in relation to Liberia and Tanzania projects.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Concerns have been raised about the slow progress with the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP). Ghana, Haiti and Nicaragua's investment plans were approved, with questions asked about the loan/grant ratio, promotion of PPPs, and reliance on funding from the Green Climate Fund.
IFI governance
Background
Recommended resources on the World Bank and IMF 2015
The best books and papers on the World Bank and IMF from 2015.
Accountability
Commentary
Time to listen to Lesotho! - The World Bank and its new anti-corruption agenda
Comment piece by Hennie Van Vuuren on corruption and bribery in the Bank-supported Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme
Environment
Analysis
Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Indicative funding allocations have been agreed for 14 new Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries pilot countries, however, cautions remained about “unrealistic expectations” about funding availability. Questions were raised about incentives for diesel in a Kenya project.
Environment
Analysis
Scaling up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
Fourteen new countries were accepted to the Scaling up Renewable Energy Program in Low Income Countries (SREP). Programme implementation continues to be slow, with expected co-financing often dropped.
Social services
Commentary
Bad aid
A health public-private partnership is starving Lesotho's public health services of resources, affecting rural communities, where death rates are rising.
IFI governance
News
Landmark decision: Canadian company debarred
Anti-corruption campaigners are applauding the World Bank's decision to debar Acres International, a Canadian company found guilty by Lesotho courts of engaging in corrupt activities in a Bank-funded water project.