Suriname

 General Information

Suriname faces significant challenges in wastewater and sanitation management. While most households in urban areas use septic tanks, design flaws and poor maintenance often lead to untreated discharges into drains and rivers. In rural and interior communities, open defecation remains widespread, and untreated sewage contributes to waterborne diseases and contamination of rivers that serve as primary drinking water sources. Institutional fragmentation and the absence of clear financing mechanisms have further constrained sector development. 

Through GEF CReW+, Suriname undertook critical diagnostics, capacity building, and pilot measures to strengthen governance and practice. The project conducted a diagnostic of the institutional and regulatory framework for the water and sanitation sector, identifying gaps and recommending reforms. In the Nickerie District, it carried out a diagnostic of current conditions, priority needs, and inter-institutional responsibilities to promote improved water governance, and developed proposals to reduce the vulnerability of the economic sector to water-related risks. 

To strengthen financial governance, CReW+ prepared a diagnostic on establishing a financial governance mechanism for the water and sanitation sector, alongside capacity-building activities in financing to support better planning and intersectoral cooperation. At the national level, the program also advanced the preparation of instruments for ratification of the Cartagena Convention’s LBS Protocol, reinforcing Suriname’s regional commitments. 

At the operational level, CReW+ initiated a preliminary concept for fecal sludge management in Paramaribo and delivered two in-person training sessions on proper fecal sludge management, addressing a pressing gap in urban sanitation. These initiatives marked an important step toward professionalizing FSM services and raising awareness among key operators. 

By combining institutional diagnostics, financial governance measures, and practical training, GEF CReW+ has created a foundation that Suriname can build on to strengthen wastewater governance, reduce sector vulnerabilities, and advance inclusive sanitation solutions.