Government expedites World Bank-funded Climate Resilience programme

The World Bank funded US$434 million Climate Resilience MultiPhased Programme is to be expedited as it was carried out at snail’s pace since 2021, the Irrigation Ministry announced.

The Government and the World Bank signed a US $92 million financing agreement for the Phase I of the project which is expected to benefit around 11.2 million people across the country by modernising the weather, flood, and landslide forecasting and early warning systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the country’s economic crisis have received the government’s attention and priority making other important issues, like the effects of climate change less important, a senior ministry official said.

A progress review meeting of the project was held at the ministry recently with the participation of Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa, several senior officials and World Bank representatives.

South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development at the World Bank - Dina Umali-Deininger and other representatives have suggested a strategic plan to achieve the objectives of the project expeditiously.

The two sides agreed to award relevant contracts for projects up to the amount of $51million giving priority to economically productive areas as soon as possible under phase 1 which will be completed by 2026.

The project will support the government departments to better forecast weather-related hazards, improve early warning systems, and invest in flood resilient infrastructure. It will also lay the foundation for reducing flood risks in the Kelani River basin in the long run.

Measures will be taken to ensure safe and reliable drinking water supply for Colombo by improving the salinity barrier at Ambathale, and long-term climate resilience in the Kelani River basin through studies and detailed investment proposals for multi-purpose flood resilience infrastructure in the next project phases.