WASHINGTON, May 23, 2019 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved an International Development Association (IDA)* credit of $100 million to support the government of Benin’s efforts to reduce flood risks in selected areas of Cotonou and strengthen urban resilience management and capacity at the city level.
The Stormwater Management and Urban Resilience Project aims to improve the living conditions of citizens of Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, by reducing their flood risks, their vulnerability and risk of poverty by protecting against loss of assets. It will also help improve management of municipal resources, infrastructure, and flood-prone areas. The project will construct 28.07 km of drains and storm gutters, 7.27 km of gabions/reno mattresses, and three retention ponds for a total storage volume of 431,698 m3 will be rehabilitated to reduce impacts of cyclical floods and the occurrence of vector-borne (malaria) and water-borne diseases for over 168,000 beneficiaries.
« Flooding is a recurrent issue in the city of Cotonou, with significant damage to the population. This project reinforces the actions already undertaken by the World Bank to limit the harm caused by stormwater in this city », said Katrina Sharkey, World Bank Country Manager for Benin.
