How is BTC addressing community, environmental and social investment in the region?
IFC is discussing BTC’s community investment and social investment programs in detail with BTC to maximize the effectiveness of these initiatives and look for areas where funds could be complemented with IFC’s own resources for social development. BTC has developed multiple social, community, and environmental investment programs in all three countries totaling over $37 million.
IFC is further convinced that the government’s efforts to promote social development are best viewed in the context of implementing the PRSPs in Azerbaijan and Georgia. The PRSPs have been extensively discussed in the local community with NGOs, business circles as well as by international donors. The World Bank has been involved in this process and IFC agrees with the priorities that have been set in the PRSPs, including facilitating the development of the non-oil economy.
The pipeline will pass by some of the most disadvantaged settlements in the Caucasus and East Anatolian regions. In Georgia, for example, about 80% of adults surveyed in 72 communities along the 248 kilometers route are either unemployed or under-employed. A majority are over the age of 60. Only 3% have jobs in the private sector. More than half the households on this part of the route report that they lack money to buy food. Roads in the region are in a state of disrepair, there are severe energy shortages and only three people in ten have access to healthcare facilities. A survey in Turkey produced similar results, particularly in northeast Anatolia where poverty is worst.
