Suriname approved a $22.2 million project with the World Bank to boost disaster resilience. Funded by the International Development Association, it focuses on flood management and supports 50,000 residents, especially in Paramaribo. The initiative promotes community-led initiatives, particularly empowering women, underscoring the critical need for sustainable development in vulnerable areas.
Suriname has entered into a significant agreement with the World Bank, marking the approval of the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project. This $22.2 million initiative, financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), aims to enhance the country’s capability to withstand natural disasters, especially floods. This is the first project funded by IDA since Suriname’s membership began in October 2024.
The project is designed to directly assist 50,000 residents, mainly in the capital region, by enhancing flood risk management. It targets support for 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica, ensuring that at least 50% of these initiatives are led by women. Given the high vulnerability of these areas to flooding, this initiative is crucial for community resilience.
Suriname faces consistent threats from coastal flooding and rainfall due to over 87% of its population residing in low-lying coastal regions. The capital, Paramaribo, is particularly at risk with inadequate drainage and maintenance exacerbating potential damages, which could escalate to $140 million annually by 2040 without intervention.
“This project is an investment in the future resilience of our communities,” asserted Stanley Raghoebarsing, Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning. The initiative aims to strengthen Suriname’s flood response capabilities, enhancing infrastructure and local resilience measures against disasters, thereby promoting sustainable development.
Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, highlighted the project’s potential impact, stating that it could substantially reduce flood risks while facilitating community-driven, inclusive solutions. Access to concessional financing from IDA is expected to help Suriname build safer, more robust communities.
Moreover, this endeavor is supported by the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF) and the European Commission through the ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program, alongside the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), emphasizing collaborative efforts in disaster management.
The agreement between Suriname and the World Bank represents a critical step towards enhancing the country’s disaster resilience through significant funding aimed at improving flood risk management. The initiative will directly help a large population while emphasizing community-led efforts, particularly focusing on women’s leadership. Supported by international partnerships, this project is not just about immediate response but guarantees long-term sustainability against environmental threats.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
