The Post-Kenneth Recovery and Resilience Project (Prpkr) in Comoros, funded by the World Bank with $57.5 million, is nearing its completion. As of now, the project has achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 85%, with Ndzuani recording a 90% execution rate. According to the project's management, 93% of the budget has been disbursed. The project's coordinator, Kamaria Ahamada, recently provided an update on the project's progress.
The project has focused on four main components, three of which have been completed, benefiting the local population. These include the rehabilitation of schools nationwide, construction of rural roads and buildings, and rehabilitation of water cisterns with capacities of 500 and 750 cubic meters in Sima and Patsy, respectively. Additionally, the project has enabled the construction of housing and allocation of land titles to their owners, providing them with legal protection.
The project has also exceeded some of its targets. In the housing sector, the results are 5% higher than the set objective, while the number of jobs created has increased by 400% compared to the initial target. The project has mainly focused on community infrastructure, housing, protection against natural risks, civil security, and capacity building for technical structures. A total of 50 community and 15 civil security works have been completed.
The project has provided equipment and training to several technical departments, including meteorology and the Karthala Observatory. According to Kamaria Ahamada, the goal is to ensure that the country is well-prepared in case of future disasters. The project has strengthened the capacities of structures such as the Karthala Observatory, meteorological services, and civil security.
Regarding the country's ability to cope with a new disaster similar to Kenneth, Kamaria Ahamada expressed confidence, citing the emphasis on prevention through training and equipment. She noted that structures like the Karthala Observatory and meteorological services now have the means to prevent, anticipate, and mitigate disaster effects. However, she added that the maintenance of infrastructure depends on the beneficiary structures and competent administrations.
The project's specialist in planning, monitoring, and evaluation, Nazir Said Msaidie, reported that the national level of progress is around 85%. He mentioned that some activities, such as the Bandamaji to Foumbouni road section, are still underway and expected to be completed by December. However, the protection of Ouani airport remains the main unfinished project.
The Ouani airport protection project was halted due to increased costs and budget constraints. Initially, 14 sites were identified as requiring protection, but only three were selected. Despite the project's termination, some works, such as revegitation and cordon construction, have been completed. Cyclone Kenneth hit Comoros on April 24, 2019, causing an estimated 14% of GDP in damages and affecting nearly 40% of the population.
Key points
- The Post-Kenneth Recovery and Resilience Project has achieved 85% of its targets, with a focus on community infrastructure, housing, and disaster risk reduction.
- The project has exceeded some targets, including a 5% increase in housing and a 400% increase in job creation.
- The project's completion is expected by December 2026, with some activities still underway.
