Component 5 – Contingency Emergency Response (CERC)

This component is designed to provide a rapid response mechanism to support recovery and resilience in the event of eligible emergencies or disasters. The CERC can be activated to reallocate project funds to support urgent needs without the need for lengthy reprogramming procedures.

Purpose of the Component

The CERC provides flexibility to address unforeseen shocks such as natural disasters (e.g. floods, droughts), disease outbreaks (e.g. cholera), or other emergencies that may disrupt water and sanitation services.

Eligible Emergency Response Activities

  • Rehabilitation or restoration of critical water and sanitation infrastructure affected by the emergency
  • Procurement of emergency equipment and materials (e.g. mobile pumps, generators, water tanks)
  • Emergency water trucking and sanitation services in affected areas
  • Technical assistance for rapid damage assessment and recovery planning
  • Support to government emergency response operations related to WASH systems

Activation Protocol

Activation of the CERC requires an official declaration of emergency by the Government of Malawi and the development of a CERC-specific Emergency Response Manual (ERM), which outlines eligible expenditures, implementation arrangements, and fiduciary procedures aligned with World Bank requirements.

Integration with Project Coordination

The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is responsible for coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure rapid mobilization of resources under this component. Strong links with national disaster management frameworks and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) are maintained for alignment.

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