Rebuilding Lives and Communities After Ecuador's 2016 Earthquake

In April 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Ecuador, devastating the province of Manabí and causing widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure. The province, which was already facing higher poverty rates and a lower socioeconomic level than the national average, was particularly hard hit, with its largely agriculture-based economy left severely disrupted. 

Objectives

Restoring livelihoods and public services in Manabí 

This project delivers a multisector framework loan from the EIB to finance the reconstruction of small-scale infrastructure damaged by the earthquake across the province of Manabí, particularly in the provincial capital, Portoviejo. Taking an integrated territorial approach, it works to restore living conditions, reestablish basic public services and rebuild livelihoods, while incorporating anti-seismic measures and contributing to political stability, governance standards and social cohesion. 

Project activities

The European Union's technical assistance through LACIF supports national and local authorities in ensuring the effective and transparent execution of the project. This includes the development and implementation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan, a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, and the consolidation and enforcement of Ecuador's Building Code. 

(Expected) Results

The project directly benefits 1,500,000 people affected by the earthquake through upgraded and new urban infrastructure, including roads, sewer and storm pipes, water distribution networks and public buildings. 

Implementing partners

European Investment Bank (EIB)