On January 16, 2026, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Climate Resilient South Coast Water Reclamation Project, undertaken by China Railway Shanghai Engineering Group, was solemnly held in Barbados. Ambassador Zheng Bingkai, attended alongside Prime Minister Mottley. Deputy Prime Minister Bradshaw, Prime Minister's Office and Senior Minister with responsibility for coordinating Infrastructure Projects Dr. William Duguid, representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank and European Investment Bank, along with government officials and representatives from various sector nearly 70 people participated in the event.

The Barbados Climate Resilient South Coast Water Reclamation Project has a total investment of 220 million Barbadian dollars. It employs a globally pioneering "debt-for-climate" financing mechanism, securing construction funds through collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, European Investment Bank, Green Climate Fund, and other institutions, without increasing the national debt. The project aims to enhance the resilience and reliability of Barbados's water supply system, with a focus on climate change, environmental sustainability, and food security.

Ambassador Zheng Bingkai stated that the South Coast Water Reclamation Project is a key livelihood and well-being initiative for Barbados, holding significant importance for promoting economic recovery, safeguarding national food security, advancing agricultural development, and improving residents' quality of life. In her address, Prime Minister Mottley noted that climate vulnerability remains a shared challenge facing the international community, and that the South Coast Water Reclamation Project will help Barbados enhance its climate adaptation capacity and achieve sustainable development goals.