The World Bank and the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) today launched a project that will support poor communities in Thailand that were affected by the devastating 2011 floods and by subsequent flooding in 2012.
The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant, provided by the Japan government through the Japanese Social Development Fund.
At least 3,000 families in 50 target communities are expected to benefit from the Community-based Livelihood Support for Urban Poor Project. The communities are located in Bangkok, Patumtani, Nonthanburi, Nakornsawan, and Ayutthaya.
The project, which will rely on the active participation of the affected communities, will target the most vulnerable families and will focus on housing and infrastructure rehabilitation.
“Ultimately, the process will strengthen community organizations so that they can more effectively participate in community-driven post-disaster reconstruction in the future,” says Patricia Fernandes, the project team leader and also a World Bank social development specialist.
The project was developed following the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment of the 2011 flooding, conducted by the World Bank, Thai government, and other development partners. Consultations with urban poor communities affected by the flood revealed that, while relief operations had provided much needed emergency assistance, the poor faced difficulties during rehabilitation phase.
“The flooding impacted the lives of many but most especially the poor,” says Amporn Kaewnoo, CODI Assistant Director “They were unable to repair their damaged homes because of costs and they lost their savings,”
The Community-based Livelihood Support for Urban Poor Project grant agreement was signed in April 2013 and, after preparatory work, is being officially launched today with a series orientation and training sessions aimed at community organizations.