Suriname Partners with World Bank on Resilience Project Against Environmental Shocks
The World Bank has launched a US$22.2 million project to strengthen Suriname’s resilience against environmental shocks. This initiative aims to improve flood risk management, benefiting around 50,000 residents in Paramaribo. Key features include support for women-led community projects and upgrades to drainage infrastructure. The project represents a milestone in Suriname’s development cooperation with the World Bank, focusing on sustainable community resilience.
The World Bank has announced that Suriname has initiated a new project aimed at enhancing resilience against environmental challenges. The recent collaboration is a crucial step forward in development cooperation between the two entities. The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, valued at US$22.2 million, is the first to receive funding from the International Development Association (IDA) since Suriname joined in October 2024.
This initiative will directly benefit approximately 50,000 residents residing in and around Paramaribo, the nation’s capital. Key components include improvements in flood risk management and support for 35 communities, with at least half of these initiatives being led by women. The World Bank highlighted Suriname’s vulnerability to floods, with over 87 percent of its population living on low-lying coastal plains, which have been significantly impacted by natural disasters affecting livelihoods and infrastructure.
The Greater Paramaribo area is particularly at risk due to inadequate drainage systems and insufficient maintenance. Projections suggest that, without intervention, the annual cost of flood damage could escalate to US$140 million by 2040. Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, emphasized the importance of this undertaking, stating that it represents both a protective measure against floods and an investment in the future resilience of Surinamese communities.
The project aims to bolster resilience by mitigating urban flooding, enhancing disaster risk management, and promoting community-led adaptation efforts. Additionally, it will entail upgrading drainage infrastructure in Greater Paramaribo, improving emergency preparedness, and supporting local resilience initiatives. Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname, noted the project’s transformative potential in reducing flood risks and fostering community resilience through sustainable, locally-driven solutions.
In summary, the World Bank’s partnership with Suriname marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bolster its resilience against environmental shocks, particularly flooding. This project will enhance infrastructure, empower communities, and improve disaster preparedness, potentially transforming the lives of many residents. The collaboration signifies a commitment to sustainable development in Suriname, paving the way for future investment and improved living conditions.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
