The Comoros government has embarked on a five-year project, dubbed the National Resilience Project for the Water Sector (Pnrse), aimed at improving access to potable water in Moroni. Funded by the World Bank to the tune of $20 million, the project seeks to bolster hydraulic infrastructure, governance, and management of the sector. This initiative is expected to provide reliable and sustainable services to the population. The project, set to close in 2029, is being implemented under the Ministry of Energy, Water, and Hydrocarbons.
The project is divided into two components, with the first focusing on infrastructure development and reinforcement, while the second is dedicated to governance and institutional strengthening. A steering committee has been established to ensure technical and strategic monitoring of the project. The World Bank recently dispatched a technical support mission to Comoros as part of Pnrse and the Accelerated Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project (Wash Mpa). The mission assessed progress on water sector studies and infrastructure, institutional strengthening of the National Water and Electricity Company (Sonede), and preparation of the Wash Mpa project.
Discussions during the mission covered governance, procurement, environmental and social safeguards, and communication. The Wash Mpa project, a multi-phase program backed by the World Bank, aims to enhance climate resilience, institutional capacities, and access to sustainable water and sanitation services. Preliminary studies have been conducted, outlining technical, architectural, and financial aspects of the project. The current phase involves definitive preliminary studies, particularly for drilling and increased storage capacity.
According to the Annual Work Plan (Pta), these studies are expected to be completed by December 2026. The following year, 2027, is slated for the commencement of works. The project aligns with efforts to address water accessibility challenges in Comoros. The country's reliance on external support for such initiatives underscores the significance of partnerships in addressing infrastructure gaps.
The Ministry of Energy, Water, and Hydrocarbons is overseeing the implementation of Pnrse. Regular steering committee meetings are being held to monitor progress. The project's focus on institutional strengthening is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of Sonede. Improved governance and management of the water sector are critical to ensuring the project's long-term sustainability.
Comoros faces significant challenges in providing access to clean water, particularly in urban areas like Moroni. The Pnrse project is a strategic initiative aimed at bridging this gap. By investing in infrastructure and institutional capacity building, the government aims to provide reliable water services to its population. The project's success will depend on effective coordination among stakeholders and the government's commitment to sustaining the initiative.
The World Bank's support for Pnrse and Wash Mpa underscores its commitment to helping Comoros address development challenges. The bank's involvement is expected to leverage additional resources and expertise, enhancing the project's impact. As the project progresses, its outcomes will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness in improving access to potable water in Comoros.
Key points
- The Comoros government has initiated a $20 million project to improve access to clean water in Moroni.
- The project aims to strengthen hydraulic infrastructure, governance, and management of the water sector.
- The initiative is expected to provide reliable and sustainable services to the population.
