The Senate has authorized Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony to guarantee a total of almost EC$20 million in funds for several capital projects, at a Senate sitting held yesterday.

The amount of EC$4.8 million has been authorized for the purpose of completing the La Dig (Mocha) and Deville Bridge Reconstruction Project; EC$10.5 million was authorized for the purpose of financing the Anse Ger / Desruisseaux Road Rehabilitation Works; and EC$4.3 million is approved for the financing of the completion of the Park Estate Drainage Project.

The Minister for Finance was also authorized to borrow US$56 million to assist in financing the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience in two phases.

The first phase will receive funding of US$15 million from the International Development Association as an implementing entity for the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience. The funding will assist in financing parts A and C of the project in Saint Lucia, in the areas of risk reduction and climate adaption.

The second phase of the project will receive the sum of US$41 million by way of credit from the International Development Association acting as an implementing entity of the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience under the Strategic Climate Fund, to assist in financing Parts A, B, D and E of the project, for reducing vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change impacts.