The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a series of Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Projects in four countries for a total of US$159 million.

These projects include International Development Association (IDA) financing of US$13 million for Dominica, US$17 million for Grenada, US$84 million for Haiti, and US$45 million for Saint Lucia. These countries are reliant on the air transport sector and face common connectivity issues.

"This series of three projects aims to increase the safety and the overall resilience of key connection points in the Eastern Caribbean," said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. "The World Bank’s first financing of airport projects in the Caribbean will also facilitate connectivity and support countries during the COVID-19 recovery phase."

"In Haiti, the project will modernize air transport infrastructure and support critical improvements in safety, resilience, and regulatory oversight," said Anabela Abreu, World Bank Country Director for Haiti. "The project is important to COVID-19 recovery efforts, as Haiti’s economy will benefit from enhanced connectivity and resilience."

In Haiti, the project aims to increase operational safety, improve navigation, and enhance the resilience of infrastructure to natural disasters to ensure continuity of essential supply chains and health emergency services. Infrastructure investments include rehabilitation of the runway in Cap Haitien, construction of a taxiway in Port au Prince, installation of modern air traffic monitoring and control systems, and improvements to airfield drainage aimed at reducing the risk of flooding. Technical assistance includes skills training and measures to support women’s employment in the air transport sector.

Financing for these projects comes from IDA. Haiti will receive a grant, and the three Eastern Caribbean islands will receive concessional financing with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of ten years.

HL/ HaitiLibre