The Projet d'assainissement et de résilience urbaine (PARU) in Côte d'Ivoire has presented its key achievements with the support of the World Bank Group during the institution's open days on September 21, 2026, in Abidjan Cocody. The project's specialist in digital technology and geospatial, Gérald Allali, highlighted the project's interventions aimed at reducing flood risks and improving solid waste management.
The PARU project, implemented since 2020 under the Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation, and Salubrity, is financed by the World Bank to the tune of 188 billion FCFA. According to Gérald Allali, the project has enabled the establishment of collection, treatment, valorization, and waste elimination infrastructure, benefiting over 1.35 million people. This initiative was launched following the severe floods in Abidjan in 2018, which caused loss of life and significant material damage.
The 2018 floods in Abidjan were exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and drainage networks, as well as the occupation of their reserves and areas unsuitable for construction. The PARU project aims to contribute to strengthening the resilience of populations against flood risks and improving waste management in targeted areas. The project also seeks to support the development of secondary urban centers and improve basic infrastructure and living conditions.
In addition to the PARU project, the Projet de développement durable et inclusif des villes secondaires (PDDIVS) was also presented. The PDDIVS project, financed in partnership with the World Bank Group, aims to support the development of secondary urban poles and improve basic infrastructure and living conditions. The project's coordinator, Dr. André N'Guessan, stated that the project's mission is to transform secondary urban poles into local economic hubs.
The PDDIVS project involves strengthening the capacities of local administrations in planning and sustainable urban and economic development. In the eight cities covered by the PDDIVS, community meetings are organized to raise awareness about the project, promote citizen participation, and enhance dialogue between populations, territorial collectivities, and implementation teams. These meetings aim to ensure that the project is tailored to the needs of local communities.
The PARU project's achievements and the PDDIVS initiative demonstrate the efforts of the Ivoirian government to improve urban sanitation and resilience with the support of the World Bank Group. These projects are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in Côte d'Ivoire. The government is committed to continuing its collaboration with the World Bank to achieve sustainable development goals.
The open days event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and share experiences on sustainable urban development. The PARU project and the PDDIVS initiative are critical components of Côte d'Ivoire's strategy to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development. The projects are aligned with the country's development goals and are expected to contribute to its economic growth and social progress.
Key points
- The PARU project has enabled the establishment of collection, treatment, valorization, and waste elimination infrastructure, benefiting over 1.35 million people.
- The PDDIVS project aims to transform secondary urban poles into local economic hubs by improving basic infrastructure and living conditions.
- The projects are financed by the World Bank to the tune of 188 billion FCFA and are implemented under the Ministry of Hydraulics, Sanitation, and Salubrity.
