Appraisal Mission to Guinea Conakry: Detailed Study for Coastal and Island Water and Sanitation Project

A team from the African Water Facility and the African Development Bank has completed an appraisal mission to Guinea Conakry, to evaluate the preliminary studies for the Guinean Islands and Coastal Water and Sanitation project. This mission, undertaken from 22 – 30 April 2024, marks a significant step in the development of essential infrastructure in Guinea's maritime regions.

This Guinean Islands and Coastal Water and Sanitation project is part of the Government of Guinea's efforts to improve public health and economic stability through upgraded infrastructure and tailored sustainable water and sanitation solutions, setting a foundation for future development in the maritime and island regions, one of the country’s most vulnerable regions. In the first phase, focus will be given to 122 priority villages, covering 49 coastal and 73 island communities and benefit 107,000 residents.

During the mission, the team assessed the Detailed Studies for the project with focus on the Basse Guinée, or Maritime Guinea. This geographical area encompasses five communities: Boffa, Boké, Coyah, Dubréka, and Forécariah, along with Kassa in the LOOS Islands. The Detailed Studies include socio-economic assessments, preliminary design studies, and the formulation of environmental and social safeguard measures. Additionally, the team will prepare relevant documents to facilitate the next steps of implementation.

Throughout the mission, the team also engaged in comprehensive discussions and consultations with local stakeholders to gather necessary data and insights. Field visits offered further understanding of the local conditions and obstacles, ensuring that the project's design and planning are well-informed and context specific.