Comoros is set to rehabilitate 12 kilometers of climate-resilient roads, aimed at restoring connectivity and strengthening disaster resilience for 13,000 people in one of the country’s most cyclone-affected regions. The project is supported by an additional $12.5 million grant from the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA), completing the Mtsangadjou–Foumbouni corridor to enhance access and safety for vulnerable coastal communities.
“The Comoros Post-Kenneth Recovery and Resilience Project came at a critical time and has played a vital role in helping Comoros rebuild after the devastating cyclone. As the Comoros vulnerability to climate shocks remains high, there is a need for continued support to make the infrastructure more resilient and safeguard communities. The additional financing complements investments from the parent project and other key development partners and will create a multiplier effect by strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and enhancing regional integration,” said Boubacar-Sid Barry, Resident Representative for the World Bank in Comoros.
The funding aims to accelerate recovery efforts and strengthen long-term resilience in areas affected by Cyclone Kenneth. The roads targeted are located in low-lying coastal areas prone to flooding, sea level rise, and erosion. All construction follows Build Back Better principles to increase resilience against future climate-related hazards.
“This new funding is both timely and strategic,” said Tahir Akbar, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Leader for the project. “It addresses Comoros’ growing climate vulnerabilities, supports the government's priority to connect the southern region's capital, Foumbouni, to key coastal cities on the RN3 north-south corridor.”
Cyclone Kenneth struck Comoros in April 2019, causing significant damage estimated at $186 million or 16% of GDP. In response, the World Bank launched a recovery project supported by GFDRR that laid groundwork through damage assessments.
Over 70,000 people have benefited from housing reconstruction efforts with 55 homes rebuilt so far; remaining units are expected by November 2025. Seven kilometers of roadworks are progressing well with completion scheduled for July 2025.