CDB launches US$30.9M sea, river defence project in Guyana

In Guyana, over 90% of the country’s population lives along the coastal area, much of which lies below sea level. As such, the country faces significant risk of flooding, and the construction and rehabilitation of drainage, irrigation and sea defense systems is a priority for the Government.

On Wednesday April 13, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana launched a US$30.9M Sea and River Defence Project at the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana. The project is expected to provide for the reconstruction and improvement of approximately 5.4 km of sea and river defenses in eight critical areas, and will benefit over 45,000 Guyanese residents – about 9,000 households in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six.

Speaking at the launch, William Ashby, portfolio manager at the CDB said that the project will improve resilience to coastal and riverine hazards, as well as the effects of climate change through strengthened sea and river defense systems.

The Government of Guyana has identified the protection of people and productive land through Climate Change adaptation measures as a priority, and the coastal protection strategy has long included efforts to manage the natural sea defenses as well as extending, upgrading and maintaining the system of sea and river defense infrastructure.  The importance of mitigating the impact of flooding on the economy has also been highlighted as essential for the achievement of the country’s development objectives.” he said.

Read more at: Caribbean Development Bank