CAF Approves USD 250 Million for Resilient Road Infrastructure and Schools in Trinidad and Tobago

CAF –Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- has approved USD 250 million in financing to support two critical resilience and sustainability initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago—resilient road infrastructure and resilient educational infrastructure. Both programmes are focused on sustainable development and building resilience to the effects of climate change.

The Sector Wide Approach Programme (SWAP) to Resilient Road Infrastructure Resilient Road Infrastructure Support Programme, with an allocation of USD 150 million, will strengthen the policy framework for resilience of the country’s road network against the impacts of climate change, such as coastal erosion, flooding, and more intense rainfall patterns. The programme is aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s National Adaptation Plan and Vision 2030 the National Development Strategy. The operation is expected to recognize  policy actions and total investment project to mitigate economic disruptions caused by extreme weather events and reduce costs linked to infrastructure damage. This programme will be executed by the Ministry of Finance, with support from the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT).  

Additionally, USD 100 million has been approved for Resilient School Infrastructure and Improvement of Spanish as a Foreign Language in Trinidad and Tobago. These will enhance access to education by building and rehabilitating early childhood and care centers as well as primary and secondary school infrastructure. It will also ensure that the schools identified are adapted to improve learning and outfitted with the complete equipment required for their proper functioning. The school rehabilitation component will focus on safety, sustainability and gender inclusion and aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The promotion of Spanish language at the primary and secondary levels is also a key element of this initiative that would increase commercial and cultural ties with the rest of latin America.

CAF’s Executive President, Sergio Díaz-Granados, emphasised the significance of these investments: “CAF has a longstanding, fruitful partnership with Trinidad and Tobago and we stand ready to support the nation’s thrust towards building resilience, which are key elements of these programmes. This new investment of USD 250 million will enhance climate resilient infrastructure and strengthen the teaching of Spanish as a first foreign language. We are confident this will lay the foundation for a more robust education system that prepares students to be global citizens.  

These financing initiatives are an important step in addressing climate vulnerabilities to which smaller states are disproportionately exposed and improving the quality of education for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.