TARAWA, 12 February, 2025 - The World Bank has recently approved a new USD 110 million (AUD 175 million) grant to boost sustainable economic development of Kiritimati Island in Kiribati. The project will support the government in transforming Kiritimati Island through new and improved climate resilient transport links and infrastructure development.
Kiribati is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea level rise. In South Tarawa, the country's capital, where half of Kiribati's population live, growing pressures on public services and limited job opportunities continue to create challenges. These are further exacerbated by the country's remoteness and a lack of transport links limiting Kiribati's access to markets and more. This increases costs related to supply chains, infrastructure development, and public service delivery. Jobs and food security are being heavily impacted by the effects of climate change and the country is increasingly dependent on goods and food imported through international ports in Tarawa and Kiritimati.
The World Bank-supported Kiribati Kiritimati Infrastructure Project aims to improve access to services and boost economic growth on Kiritimati. This initiative aligns with the Government's Kiritimati Island Economic Development Program.
"This six year project enables us to address unique challenges faced by Kiribati such as climate change, economic development and social welfare," said Hon. Vice President, Hon Teuea Toatu, Kiribati Minister of Finance and Economic Development. "I very much look forward to this holistic approach that integrates environmental, economic and social aspects to ensure long-term sustainable benefits for the people of Kiribati."
This World Bank support will help develop Kiritimati Island through better transport infrastructure for greater domestic and regional connectivity by air and road; and strengthen Kiribati's capacity to respond promptly and more effectively to future disasters. The project will upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure that will contribute to Kiribati's overall economic activity and better link people to jobs, healthcare, education and to the outside world. This will include road network enhancements; and improvements to Kiritimati's Cassidy International Airport including runway repairs and safety enhancements. The project also includes an emergency response component that will allow for rapid disbursement of funds for response and recovery in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency.
"This is a unique opportunity to tap into Kiritimati Island's potential in unlocking economic opportunities while protecting the island's unique natural resources and habitat. This project will have long term benefits for the whole of Kiribati," said Stefano Mocci, World Bank Country Manager for the South Pacific. "The World Bank stands with the Government of Kiribati in their efforts to realize the nation's development priorities."
The project will be implemented by the Ministry for Line and Phoenix Islands Development and the Ministry of Information, Communications, Transport, and Tourism Development with support from the World Bank.
