World Bank project boosts livelihoods for 750,000 in South Sudan

JUBA – A World Bank-funded project has improved access to basic services and strengthened community institutions for over 750,000 vulnerable people in South Sudan, officials said on Wednesday.

The four-year Enhancing Community Resilience & Local Governance (ECRP) Phase I project, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), focused on infrastructure development and community engagement.

“ECRP, I has improved access to basic infrastructure, strengthened community institutions, and enhanced livelihoods,” said Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager in South Sudan, during the project’s closing ceremony in Juba.

The project, valued at $45 million, addressed the needs of various demographics, including women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), ex-combatants, and people with disabilities.

“This inclusive approach… is an important contributor to social cohesion in the country and in turn promotes greater peace and stability,” Raad added.

Improved Infrastructure, Increased Access

Over 345 physical infrastructure projects were completed under ECRP I, including 33 primary schools, 31 health facilities, 258 water points, market sheds, access roads, and youth centers across 20 counties in all 10 South Sudanese states.

“We have seen enrolment and retention rates increase due to the 68 learning spaces created and sanitary facilities that we constructed in these primary schools,” said Petronella Kasaka Halwiindi, UNOPS Country Manager in South Sudan.

She highlighted improved healthcare access, with birth facilities and electrified health centers constructed.

ECRP I also strengthened the capacity of local government committees for development planning.

Looking Ahead: Disaster Risk Management

The project’s success paves the way for the ongoing ECRP II, a $150 million initiative targeting 950,000 people in 17 counties, including the Ruweng and Pibor Administrative Areas.

“The project has already started and is two years down the road,” said Paul Segawa, Acting Project Manager for ECRP II. “We are focusing on disaster risk management, particularly flood mitigation and climate shocks.”

Segawa emphasized efforts to prepare for this year’s anticipated intense floods, including designing stronger dikes. ECRP II aims to enhance community resilience in the face of climate challenges.