World Bank finances Caribbean air transport connectivity projects
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors hasapproved a series of Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Projects in four countries for a total of $159 million.
The projects will enhance regional connectivity by improving the safety of air transport and the resilience of the airport infrastructure to natural disasters.
They include International Development Association financing of $13 million for Dominica; $17 million for Grenada; $84 million for Haiti, and $45 million for Saint Lucia.
In Dominica, the project aims to improve safety and airport resilience readiness to natural disasters, and to strengthen the capacity of agencies handling air transportation operations and airport investment planning. Navigation and safety equipment will be improved, enabling emergency landing in case of natural disasters and increasing capacity in air traffic control, wildlife management, airport management and planning.
The Grenada project will support increased safety and efficiency of airport operations and navigation, make climate resilience improvements, and strengthen the country’s capacity in civil aviation and airport management. This includes installation of air navigation and safety equipment at the main international airport, construction of a runway end safety area and a resilient air cargo facility, and preparation of an aviation sector strategic plan.
In Haiti, the project, infrastructure investments includes 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.
The project for Saint Lucia includes improvements to the runway of the Hewanorra International Airport and its associated facilities, such as runway-end safety areas, airfield drainage, and crash and fire rescue facilities. Activities will also include installation of modernized air navigation systems, and institutional strengthening in air traffic control and management.
