The World Bank is committed to supporting Benin in its actions to combat climate change. Thus, on Thursday, September 29, the institution approved funding of 200 million dollars (equivalent to 137.39 billion FCFA) to support Benin's objective of improving access to resilient infrastructures, and the provision of urban services to reduce the risks of rsquo; floods in secondary cities.

Reducing flood risks in secondary cities through resilient infrastructure and increased capacities, it is within this framework that the World Bank has decided é to make a financial package of 200 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA) available to the Beninese authorities. The operation, which contributes to the Secondary Cities Rainwater Sanitation Program, is designed in the form of a performance-based program (PForR in English). It will allow beneficiary municipalities to reduce flood risks and improve the living conditions of populations through the construction of resilient urban drainage infrastructures and the adoption of urban planning tools. It will strengthen capacities to implement investments dedicated to the fight against climate change, including capacities to prepare for natural disaster risks.

According to Atou Seck, World Bank Country Manager for Benin, cleaning up Benin's secondary cities is an important challenge in reducing disaster risks to which they are exposed on a recurring basis. It is also an opportunity to ensure a better living environment and promote the economy and local jobs. “Above all, this programme will improve the lives of disadvantaged people, thus contributing to poverty reduction and climate change mitigation,” he said. Municipalities will thus be required to adopt revised communal contingency plans and the State will make the National Disaster Response Fund (FONCAT) more operational. The operation reinforces the State-Commune partnership, with a strengthened role and responsibilities for the beneficiary municipalities. It also focuses on the climate change agenda.