World Bank approve millions for vulnerable South Sudanese households

World Bank has approved a $129 million grant to cater for the vulnerable South Sudanese households.

According to a press release from the World Bank, the grant includes a ‘‘$25 million from the IDA19 Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR), and $30 million from the Crisis Response Window (CRW).”

This is part of the World Bank’s South Sudan Productive Safety Net for Socioeconomic Opportunities Project (SNSOP) project.

The lender lamented the impacts of natural calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic as the main reasons prompting the intervention measures to alleviate suffering.

‘‘Recent external and economic shocks that include severe flooding, the COVID19 pandemic, conflict, and macroeconomic instability have disproportionately impacted vulnerable households and deepened existing vulnerabilities in South Sudan.’’

‘‘The SNSOP aims to consolidate and deepen the development gains achieved to date, provide access to direct income, and increase social and economic opportunities for the poorest and most vulnerable households,’’ it further noted.

Josephine Joseph Lagu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the intervention would build resilience and help alleviate the suffering of the targeted households.

“Enhancing social and economic opportunities for poor and vulnerable households will contribute to achieving long term development outcomes and build their resilience to climate impacts and other shocks. It will also make them potential drivers of economic growth, stability, and national transformation in South Sudan,” said Josephine.

Ayaa Benjamin Warille, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said “Women are exposed to a wide range of economic and social risks in South Sudan. The emphasis on including young women will help pave the way towards addressing the marginalization of women, bringing them into the mainstream of development.’’