New project to ensure better connectivity through climate-resilient infrastructure
WASHINGTON, December 18, 2018 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved today a US$20 million grant for Tuvalu, which will seek to upgrade and improve resilience of port facilities and maritime infrastructure in the capital, Funafuti, as well as the island of Nanumaga.
The Maritime Investment in Climate Resilient Operations project will see construction of improved port facilities, and the establishment of enhanced planning tools for infrastructure that will improve connectivity and climate resilience, as well as access for people living with a disability and the elderly, particularly those on outer islands.
“Shipping and ports are essential for delivering goods across Tuvalu, and ensuring our people are connected to services and each other,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Honourable Maatia Toafa. “Improved, more resilient ports will mean safer passage for people and less risk of goods being damaged in transit.”
Tuvalu is regarded as one of the most vulnerable of all Pacific Island countries, with few of its nine islands more than 800 meters wide and with extremely low-lying land of just 4.5 meters above sea level at its highest point. These geographic features mean the country is significantly exposed to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, and more intense storm surges, king tides, cyclones, and floods.
Tuvalu’s remoteness, combined with infertile soils, also means that the population is heavily reliant on shipping, which delivers most food, all building materials, and manufactured goods, as well as critical emergency relief goods following natural disasters. In addition, inter-island vessels provide vital transport links for secondary and tertiary students living on outer islands, as well as those requiring access to hospital services on Funafuti, the main island.
“The World Bank is supporting the government as they work to improve the safety, accessibility, and resilience of critical ports infrastructure in Tuvalu,” said Michel Kerf, Country Director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. “We are also pleased to be cooperating with the Asian Development Bank to jointly support Tuvalu’s maritime sector.”
The US$20 million grant comes from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries, and will be implemented by the Tuvalu Ministry of Communications and Transport.
