18 Dec 2019

Tuvalu receives $US7.5m grant from World Bank

3:46 pm on 18 December 2019

Tuvalu has been given $US7.5 million by the World Bank to strengthen the management of its public finances, improve the resilience of infrastructure, and help people with disabilities.

The small islands and islets of Tuvalu have been categorised as some of the most vulnerable to climate change.

Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana

The grant is linked to the Tuvalu National Strategy for Sustainable Development.

It will support efforts to strengthen fiscal sustainability, with improved purchasing procedures.

The grant will also support key improvements to Tuvalu's social protection systems, particularly for those living with a disability.

This would include support for a new Tuvalu National Policy for Disability.

That's aimed at strengthening disability inclusion, especially for women and girls, and improve systems to support people with a disability during natural disaster or emergencies.

Funds will also go to strengthening the climate change and disaster resilience of key buildings and infrastructure across Tuvalu.