Commonwealth _ Guyana, a country highly vulnerable to climate change, is set to benefit from the World Bank’s approval of a US$45 million Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Project. This initiative will improve the nation’s flood risk management, with approximately 320,000 people, or 40% of the population, expected to see enhancements in their living conditions due to better drainage infrastructure.
Guyana’s coastline is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, which exacerbate the risks of flooding and erosion. Recent studies have highlighted that such events could result in potential GDP losses exceeding 46.4%. In response, the Guyanese government has developed an intricate network of canals, culverts, sluices, and pumps to mitigate these risks. Despite ongoing improvements in management and increased funding for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the coastal areas remain vulnerable to flooding.
The Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Project aims to upgrade over 45 critical drainage structures, with a particular focus on sluices. These upgrades will be designed to accommodate future land use, population growth, and the impacts of climate change, thus enhancing the efficiency of drainage, flood protection, and irrigation systems. Alongside structural improvements, the project will bolster the management and operational capabilities of the NDIA, including significant upgrades to its asset management system.
Key components of the project include the development of technical standards for urban flood risk management and the provision of training to enhance the capacity of personnel responsible for operating and maintaining the drainage system. This will ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the improvements made under the project.
Diletta Doretti, the World Bank Group’s resident representative for Guyana and Suriname, emphasized that this project is a crucial part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and aligns with the country’s vision for climate-resilient growth. She noted that the initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between the World Bank and Guyana aimed at strengthening resilience to flooding and other natural hazards. According to Doretti, the project not only supports disaster risk management but also contributes to protecting lives and reducing inequalities over the long term.
The Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Project is financed by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), a financial intermediary fund supporting activities identified under Guyana’s LCDS. Through this agreement, Norway compensates Guyana for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The funds received are then utilized to implement the LCDS, with the Coastal Adaptation and Resilience Project being a key component of these initiatives.
In addition to this project, the government remains committed to coastal protection through effective drainage systems. The Hope Canal, located at Hope/Dochfour on the East Coast Demerara, is a prime example. This multi-part channel, featuring an eight-door sluice, directs excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Atlantic Ocean, thereby preventing flooding. Similar canals are being constructed in regions three, five, and six to provide additional storage capacity.
In the current year’s budget, the government has allocated $72.3 billion for the maintenance and expansion of drainage and irrigation systems. Ongoing works include the rehabilitation of pump stations and canals. Furthermore, the acquisition of 40 mobile pumps is planned to strengthen the country’s drainage and irrigation efforts further.
The recent passage of the landmark Sea and River Defence Bill in the National Assembly marks another significant step in Guyana’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to the challenges posed by rising sea levels. This legislation aims to enhance the country’s resilience and safeguard its coastal regions against the impacts of climate change.
