The Government of Guyana will partner with the World Bank on new climate resilience initiatives under the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), focusing on infrastructure and adaptation measures in flood-prone regions.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh said the collaboration will explore additional ways to “climate-proof” Guyana, particularly in low-lying coastal and hinterland areas vulnerable to flooding.
Speaking during a state media interview, Singh said the projects will be financed through climate revenues generated under the LCDS, which are being administered by the World Bank in its trustee role.
“We have earned climate revenue and the World Bank is administering the revenue in providing services,” he said, adding that funds will support drainage and irrigation systems and other resilience infrastructure nationwide.
World Bank Group Country Director for the Caribbean Lilia Burunciuc stressed the importance of resilience in national development, warning that infrastructure investment is undermined if flooding is not addressed.
“Let’s face it, you can build a lot of infrastructure, you can build roads and houses but if they are flooded then you have to start building everything from scratch,” she said.
Singh said Guyana remains focused on strengthening climate adaptation efforts, pointing to ongoing works such as canal rehabilitation projects and the Liliendaal pump station, supported by the World Bank.
The LCDS is Guyana’s flagship framework for balancing economic development with environmental protection and carbon reduction goals.
