Working visit to Suriname, April 2025: cooperation and progress

Building connections in Suriname

After months of Dutch drought, feeling the Surinamese rain was a welcome change and a reminder of why water matters so deeply. 

World Waternet team on the bus 

Together with board member Sander Mager from Water Authority AGV and colleagues from Waternet, Deltares, and Rijkswaterstaat, we deepened ties with the Surinaamsche Waterleidingmaatschappij, key ministries, and the Dutch Embassy. This visit was part of a long-term partnership where mutual trust and respect are shaping real progress.

Meeting rising demand: infrastructure and investment needs

SWM faces the challenge of growing water demand, particularly from the expanding oil and gas sector. Many assets are outdated, and drinking water sources are under pressure due to salinisation and depletion.
During this trip, we aligned efforts to support SWM's ambitious investment agenda. Funding discussions are now underway with development banks and the EU Water Operators' Partnerships programme. We are also exploring collaboration under the Blue Deal.

Data sharing as a foundation for resilience

One of the visit’s most promising outcomes was the signing of a data-sharing agreement between the Ministries of Natural Resources, Public Works, and Spatial Planning. SWM, too, began sharing critical data on infrastructure and water quality. This milestone reflects years of patient collaboration. Through the Makandra Project, we helped lay the groundwork by running workshops, building GIS capacity, and fostering a culture of transparency. Although improvements are still needed, this marks a significant step for integrated water governance.

Makandra Project: from vision to practice

The Makandra Project in Suriname had a strong focus on four key areas:

• Stakeholder engagement: We hosted interactive sessions with ministries, local leaders, and NGOs to map roles, build trust, and encourage ongoing dialogue.
• Disaster management: We collaborated with hydrologists and emergency planners to assess current frameworks and share international best practices.
• Internal organisation: Together with the Ministry of Natural Resources, we reviewed internal processes, workflows, and decision-making systems to support better governance.
• Data as a basis: GIS training and the promotion of open data policies were central. The new inter-ministerial agreement on data sharing is a direct result of this effort.

Discussion of the collaboration between SWM and World Waternet

Our partners also took centre stage at the Water Knowledge Conference and the Makandra Closing Event, where they presented achievements and discussed remaining challenges with openness and insight.

The closing reception of the Makandra programme with Dutch ambassador to Suriname, Walter Oostelbos

Life in Suriname: lessons beyond the technical

What makes this work so meaningful is not just the outcomes but the people. In Suriname, where making ends meet can be difficult, communities find strength in one another, joy in food and family, and resilience in everyday life.

This spirit drives our collaboration. It is why our Surinamese partners travelled to the Netherlands last year and why they will return in May 2025. We learn from each other not just technically, but also culturally and personally.

Looking ahead: funding, follow-up, and long-term goals

As we look to the future, we aim to secure funding for the next phase of our partnership. Our technical progress, including improvements in asset management, reduction of Non-Revenue Water, and data sharing, is creating a strong foundation for continued investment.

The cooperation between Dutch and Surinamese partners, through initiatives such as the Makandra Project and the Blue Deal, reflects a broader commitment to equity, resilience, and sustainable development.

This working visit reinforced what we have always known: true progress is built on collaboration. With thanks to SWM, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and our many partners, we leave Suriname energised, hopeful, and ready for the next chapter.