The World Bank has approved a US$22.2 million project for Suriname to enhance resilience against environmental shocks. This initiative will benefit around 50,000 residents in Paramaribo and focuses on improved flood risk management and community-led strategies, with an emphasis on women’s leadership. The project aims to reduce urban flooding and enhance disaster preparedness, signifying a crucial step in Suriname’s sustainable development efforts.
On March 2, 2025, the World Bank announced that Suriname has embarked on a landmark project to enhance its resilience against environmental shocks. This initiative is a significant development in their ongoing cooperation and is titled the Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project. The project’s objective is to fortify Suriname’s disaster resilience with a funding amounting to US$22.2 million, marking the first financial support from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) since Suriname’s membership in October 2024.
The initiative is poised to benefit approximately 50,000 residents in and around Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, aiming to improve flood risk management and assist 35 communities through community-led resilience strategies. It is noteworthy that at least 50 percent of these initiatives will be led by women, addressing both flooding risks and community empowerment. The World Bank highlighted the vulnerability of Suriname’s coastal populations, with over 87 percent living in low-lying areas prone to recurrent floods, exacerbated by insufficient drainage systems.
Minister of Finance and Planning, Stanley Raghoebarsing, articulated the significance of this project, stating that it represents not merely an investment in flood prevention but a cornerstone for the sustainable future of Suriname’s communities. The project will not only focus on reducing urban flooding but will also enhance disaster risk management and improve local infrastructure.
The World Bank’s Resident Representative for Suriname, Diletta Doretti, emphasized the project’s transformative potential, underscoring that it will significantly mitigate flood risks for many residents, whilst empowering communities through locally driven approaches. The IDA stands prepared to provide additional support through grants and low-interest loans, aimed at fostering long-term benefits for low-income and vulnerable nations globally.
In summary, Suriname’s collaboration with the World Bank on this groundbreaking project marks a pivotal investment in building resilience against environmental challenges. The project aims to support and empower vulnerable communities, particularly focusing on women’s leadership in local initiatives. With a commitment of US$22.2 million, this effort not only seeks to address immediate flood risks but also promotes broader sustainable development in Suriname.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
