Barbados Secures Multi-Million Dollar Partnership for Community Development – You Won’t Believe Who They’re Teaming Up With!

Barbados Government Secures Funding for Climate Resilience Project

In a groundbreaking move, the Barbados government has recently inked a deal with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) to secure a US $12.4 million loan agreement and a US $300,000 grant agreement. This marks the first time that the government has received financial support in the form of a loan and grant from the CDF.

The agreements were formalized on December 17, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the CEO of the CDF, Rodinald R Soomer, putting pen to paper at the Parliament. The primary purpose of this financial injection is to fund the Country Assistance Programme, specifically focusing on the implementation of the Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Climate Resilience Wastewater Systems Project, also known as the 3R CReWS Project.

Key points from the signed agreements include:

• The loan will co-finance activities crucial for supporting the 3R CReWS Project, which is primarily funded by a substantial US $39.39 million grant from the Green Climate Fund.
• Over a span of two years, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) will spearhead the execution of the project, handling the financial management and overall implementation.
• The CDF’s funding will play a pivotal role in supporting the aquifer recharge and renewable energy infrastructure components of the project.

The financial injection will result in practical outcomes such as:

• Installation of 9.0 kilometres of pipeline to transport treated wastewater from the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant to provide water for agricultural purposes.
• Replacement of approximately 0.65 kilometres of sewage force main and the installation of backup generators at lift stations.
• Integration of one megawatt of solar photovoltaic systems at the Belle Plantation.

The CARICOM Development Fund has hailed this contribution as a milestone achievement, emphasizing its role as a crucial partner for the Government of Barbados in mobilizing essential climate finance to address critical vulnerabilities. With a commitment to supporting the national climate resilience agenda, the CDF stands ready to further assist the government in future initiatives to bolster environmental sustainability and combat climate change.

As Barbados takes definitive steps towards fortifying its infrastructure and tackling environmental challenges, collaborations like these are key to fostering a sustainable future for the island nation.