Fatshimetrie, September 16, 2024 – A significant breakthrough was announced during a recent meeting in Kinshasa between the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior and Security of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a delegation from the World Bank. Indeed, during this exchange, the World Bank Country Director unveiled the provision of a US$200 million facility. This substantial sum is intended to strengthen the prevention and management of climate change risks in the DRC.
Albert G. Zeufack, the World Bank Country Director, stressed the importance of this facility, which is part of the Congolese government’s strategy to anticipate and manage the consequences of climate change. The DRC, notoriously exposed to these risks, has already been severely affected by devastating climate events, endangering human lives and hampering the country’s economic development.
Discussions at this meeting highlighted the need to proactively invest in climate disaster prevention. Floods, landslides and droughts impact the country’s populations and economy, highlighting the urgency to act. Albert G. Zeufack commended the Congolese government’s efforts in developing risk management strategies and committed to working closely with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior and Security to strengthen these initiatives.
This $200 million facility will not only rebuild infrastructure damaged by previous natural disasters, but also establish early warning systems to save lives in future unfortunate events. This is a proactive approach to strengthening the country’s resilience to climate hazards and protecting its citizens.
In conclusion, this World Bank initiative demonstrates the critical importance of preventing and managing climate change risks in the DRC. It marks a significant step towards building a more resilient society, prepared for the environmental challenges ahead. By working together, the Congolese government and the World Bank are paving the way for a fruitful collaboration to protect the future of the Congolese population in the face of future climate challenges.