Roads, bridges, other infrastructure must be built to withstand climate change – Pres Ali

– cites importance of disaster resilient infrastructure in ICDRI 2025 address

On the occasion of the International Conference for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2025, President Dr Irfaan Ali stressed the importance not only of building roads, bridges and other infrastructure that can withstand climate change, but the importance of global funding for vulnerable states to make this happen.
ICDRI 2025 was held in Nice, France from June 6 to 7 under the theme “Shaping a Resilient Future for Coastal Regions”. It featured delegates from around the world and addresses from leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ali, who made a virtual address.
According to President Ali, the construction of disaster resilient infrastructure is a more pressing concern now than it ever was. He cited threats such as rising sea levels and the ravages of climate change, which are particularly perilous for Small Island and Developing States (SIDS).
“Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and coastal erosion present an existential threat to small island developing states and low-lying coastal nations. Our population centres, farmlands, and economies stand vulnerable to these threats,” President Ali said.
“In the face of this mounting danger, the need for disaster-resilient infrastructure is not optional—it is imperative. Roads, bridges, sea defences, buildings, water systems—these are not just assets, they are important lifelines. They must be built to withstand the changing climate and the threats it now brings with increasing frequency and ferocity.”
That being said, however, many of these countries are in need of financial assistance, due to limited resources. According to the president, “climate-resilient infrastructure is a question of survival” and a global push is needed for international resources to be unlocked.
“However, for many small island developing states and low-lying coastal states, the capacity to enhance resilience is constrained by limited resources. We know what must be done, but often we lack the means to do it. The finance, the technology, the technical support—these are critical gaps that must be addressed urgently.”
“Against this background, I hope that this important gathering of the International Conference for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, France will go beyond dialogue and deliver real, coordinated action. We need a global push to unlock the resources required to bolster climate adaptation and mitigation for vulnerable regions, especially for small- island developing and low-lying coastal states,” President Ali said. This year’s ICDRI 2025 is the seventh instalment, and was organised by the New Delhi-headquartered Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). It is the first time the conference was held in Europe.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been undertaking a number of massive infrastructure projects with a 2030 and beyond focus, including the US$260 million Demerara River Bridge which will have a lifespan of 100 years… far eclipsing the lifespan of the old bridge.
The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre (km) four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic, with its 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted.
The river will be dredged along a 13.5-km stretch to accommodate large vessels. As of Saturday, it was announced that the bridge is approximately 90.7 per cent completed, as the cement was poured on the final of 35 concrete towers, marking a significant milestone towards the August 31, 2025 deadline.