World Bank approves climate change project in Dominica

The World Bank announced on Thursday that it had approved a US$39 million-project in Dominica to help the island build resilience to climate change.

More than 72,000 people will benefit from improved climate resilient infrastructure and capacity to monitor climate risks, officials said.

Plans include the rehabilitation of 42 km of national roads, the construction of 3.5 km of storm drains, increased water storage of more than 1.8 million litres, the preparation of climate adaptation plans, and the training of governemt officials in spatial data management.

Hurricane Dean in 2007 caused heavy losses in infrastructure and agriculture. The country also experienced record flooding and landslides associated with heavy rains in 2012 and 2013, which amounted to more than US$120 million in damage.

This project for climate adaptation and disaster vulnerability reduction is financed from an International Development Association (IDA) grant of US$17 million and a US$12 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund Grant to the Government of Dominica. It also includes a credit of US$9 million from the Strategic Climate Fund and US$1.5 million from the Government.

Dominica is one of six countries in the Caribbean to participate in the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience, one of the targeted programmes of the Climate Investment Funds. The island is also part of a multi-country risk-pooling facility, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF).

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/World-Bank-approves-climate-change-project-in-Dominica_16579523