 In 2006, the IDB approved a new loan in the amount of US$62.25 million for the town of Cuenca.PASSE is a program of the Health Ministry for the provinces of the central sierra region, which has received a grant from the European Union.Since 2003, the Belgian government has supported the "Agua Potable para la Sierra Norte" (APOSINO) or Potable Water for the Northern Sierra region, which is a technical assistance program in the provinces of Imbabura and Carchi.