World Bank approves $145 million aid package for Afghanistan

The World Bank on Monday unveiled a 145 million dollar aid package to Afghanistan to support reconstruction in the war-wracked country.
The interest-free loan package includes a 35 million dollar grant for education and a 25 million dollar credit for urban reconstruction which will be channelled towards rebuilding some of Kabul's most shattered neighbourhoods.
Millions of internal refugees have flocked to the capital to escape fighting in their home provinces but find little security in Kabul and often make homes in bombed out buildings.
Another 80 million dollars will be used to support the government's medium-term development strategy, and a further five million dollars will be used as seed money to guarantee private investment.
Although Western governments have pledged billions of dollars in aid to rebuild Afghanistan, little private investment has followed.
The investment guarantee will allow private investors to buy insurance against "political risk" for investments of up to 60 million dollars.