Washington - The World Bank on Thursday announced a $65-million grant for Haiti aimed at rebuilding its infrastructure to get the government back on its feet after January's powerful earthquake.

The funds are part of a $100-million grant the World Bank announced for Haiti one day after the January 12 quake.

The funds will help restore key Haitian government economic and financial functions, "including data recovery, revenue and ...

... expenditure management, accountability and transparency functions in the ministry of economy and finance and other key institutions", the statement read.

"Pre-fabricated premises, office space and equipment will be provided for these institutions to operate."

The funds will also be used to rebuild key infrastructure, "including roads, bridges and administration buildings".

"These works are critical to give access to the damaged areas and to prevent further damages from flooding when the rainy season starts in May," the statement read.

Reestablishing key financial and economic functions "is critical to a well-functioning state and to the reconstruction and recovery effort in Haiti", said Yvonne Tsikata, World Bank Director for the Caribbean.

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake flattened large parts of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding towns and villages, claiming more than 220 000 lives.

A World Bank and United Nations estimate found on Tuesday that Haiti will need $11.5-billion over three years to rebuild. - Sapa-AFP

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