What does PURP mean in REHABILITATION

The PURP focuses on improving safety and well-being in the city through improved housing and infrastructure, better access to educational resources, improved water supply and sanitation systems, increased economic opportunity through job creation initiatives, and overall increased quality of life.

The PURP provides infrastructure investments such as paved roads, drainage systems and sewerage systems; public education programs for children; healthcare access enhancements; job training programs; vocational skills classes; start-up funds for small businesses; alcohol abuse prevention initiatives; recreational activities for youth; community outreach activities with local leaders to raise awareness about the need for change in Paramaribo.

The stakeholders include local government ministries responsible for urban planning and development in Paramaribo such as Public Works and Housing, Education:, Health:, Community Planning, Tourism:, Employment or Social Affairs. Local non-governmental organizations are also key participants, assisting with project implementation on behalf of the communities they serve. Community members themselves have a voice in deciding how their neighborhoods will be developed. Q: How long has this program been running? A: The PURP was launched in 2000 as part of a global campaign called “Cities Without Slums” — initiated by UN-Habitat — which was designed to help cities affected by poverty better manage their fragile urban environments. Since then more than million has been invested into projects related to housing rehabilitation and upgrading living conditions throughout the city.

The aim is ultimately to create livelihoods within Paramaribo that promote self-sufficiency and sustainable development. By upgrading living conditions in low-income neighborhoods and providing job training initiatives for community members there is an expectation that economic prospects are improved with positive knock on effects on public health services delivery too.