Suriname has embarked on a significant development initiative with the World Bank, marking an important milestone in their collaborative efforts. The Suriname Preparedness and Enhancing Resilient Communities Project, approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, aims to bolster Suriname's resilience against disasters. This US $22.2 million project is notably the first financed by the International Development Association (IDA) since Suriname joined in October 2024.
The project will benefit 50,000 residents around Suriname's capital through improved flood risk management and support 35 communities in Paramaribo, Saramacca, and Wanica with community-led resilience initiatives. At least half of these initiatives will be led by women.
Suriname faces frequent coastal and rainfall-related floods, affecting over 87 percent of its population residing along the low-lying coastal plain. These regions have long been exposed to severe risks impacting livelihoods, services, infrastructure, and economic stability. Greater Paramaribo is particularly vulnerable due to inadequate drainage capacity and maintenance issues. Without intervention, annual flood-related damages could reach US$140 million by 2040.
"This is a significant milestone for Suriname,” stated Stanley Raghoebarsing, Suriname’s Minister of Finance and Planning. “This project is not just an investment in flood prevention; it is an investment in the future resilience of our communities."
The initiative seeks to enhance urban flooding resilience, improve disaster risk management systems, and support local adaptation projects. It will upgrade drainage infrastructure in Greater Paramaribo and enhance emergency preparedness systems.
“The potentially transformative effect of this project cannot be overstated,” said Diletta Doretti, World Bank Resident Representative for Suriname. “It will not only reduce flood risks for many Surinamese but also strengthen community resilience through inclusive, locally driven solutions.”
The IDA supports low-income countries with grants and low-interest loans like those provided for this project to foster safer and more prosperous communities globally.
Contributions from the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF), European Commission through ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Program, and Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) aided in developing this initiative.