The World Bank Group has approved a EUR 191.5 million (US$219.4 million) loan to Türkiye to modernize urban infrastructure and services in the fast-growing cities of Antalya and Konya, according to a press release issued on June 5, 2026 from Washington, DC. The financing addresses a growing demand for public transport, clean water and sanitation, and efficient energy systems, while generating jobs along the way. It will be delivered through the Green and Future Cities Project. Implementation will be carried out via İller Bankası A.Ş. (ILBANK) with the guarantee of the Republic of Türkiye. The operation responds to mounting pressures from rapid urbanization in two of the country’s most dynamic urban centers.
Türkiye’s rapid urbanization has intensified demand for efficient and resilient municipal infrastructure. Fast-growing cities are central to the country’s economy, yet many face constraints in accessing long-term financing for major investments. These limitations affect support for residents and expanding economic activities alike. The project is aligned with Türkiye’s national development priorities. It is designed to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts in line with those priorities.
Planned investments include the expansion and modernization of public transport systems, such as tramlines and low-emission vehicles. Upgrades to water supply, wastewater treatment, and sanitation infrastructure are also envisaged. The project will support measures to enhance energy efficiency and strengthen climate adaptation and resilience. These investments are expected to improve urban mobility, enhance environmental sustainability, and raise the quality of life for residents. They will also contribute to economic growth and job creation.
“Türkiye’s cities are key drivers of economic growth and job creation but also face increasing pressures from rapid urbanization and climate change,” said J. Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye.
He added that the project will help municipalities invest in modern, resilient infrastructure while strengthening their capacity to plan and finance sustainable urban development. Technical assistance will be provided to ILBANK and participating municipalities to strengthen capacity in project preparation, financial management, and sustainable urban planning. This includes developing pipelines of bankable, climate-smart investments. It also covers strengthening municipal financial and institutional capacity and enhancing long-term resilience to climate and disaster risks.
“By combining financing with technical expertise, this project will help cities develop bankable, climate-smart investments and improve their access to long-term financing,” said Ahmet Kindap, Task Team Leader for the Project.
The project is also designed to help municipalities strengthen their creditworthiness and lay the groundwork for greater private sector participation over time. Investments are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks such as flooding, drought, and extreme heat. Project preparation benefited from technical assistance and grants from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)’s Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries, supported by the Government of Japan. By improving infrastructure systems and service delivery, the project will help cities better withstand future shocks while promoting sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
