Suriname has initiated a US $22.2 million project funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association to enhance community resilience and disaster preparedness. The initiative will directly aid 50,000 residents and emphasizes women’s leadership in its community-driven efforts. The project addresses the significant risks posed by flooding in the capital, which houses a majority of the population.
On February 28, 2025, Suriname and the World Bank announced crucial progress in their development partnership with the approval of the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project. This initiative, funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association, amounts to US $22.2 million and marks the first IDA financing for Suriname since its accession in October 2024.
The project aims to bolster resilience against disasters for approximately 50,000 individuals residing in and around the capital. It includes enhanced flood risk management and support for 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica, with a commitment to ensure that at least half of the initiatives are led by women.
Suriname is highly susceptible to coastal and rainfall-related flooding, with 87 percent of its population situated along a low-lying coastal plain that faces considerable risks. The capital region, housing 67 percent of the population, suffers from inadequate drainage and maintenance, which exacerbates flood-related challenges. Projections indicate that without active intervention, annual flood costs could escalate to US $140 million by 2040.
Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, remarked, “This is a significant milestone for Suriname. This project is not just an investment in flood prevention; it is an investment in the future resilience of our communities.”
The project’s objectives include enhancing drainage infrastructure in Greater Paramaribo, advancing emergency preparedness, and fostering localized resilience initiatives. Diletta Doretti, World Bank Resident Representative, noted, “The potentially transformative effect of this project cannot be overstated.”
The IDA, which focuses on assisting low-income nations and small island states, will play a vital role in funding through grants and low-interest loans. The project is further supported by contributions from the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility, the European Commission, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.
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The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project represents a significant response to the country’s vulnerability to flooding. With substantial funding from the World Bank’s IDA, this initiative not only aims to safeguard the population against disasters but also emphasizes the importance of community-led efforts in building resilience. This partnership underscores a commitment to sustainable development in Suriname.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
