Disaster-preventive reconstruction and livelihood stabilisation in Haiti, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities
Project description
Title: Disaster-preventive reconstruction and livelihood stabilisation in Haiti, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities
Commissioned by: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Haiti
Lead executing agency: Ministère de la Planification et de la Coopération Externe (MPCE)
Overall term: 2010 to 2013
Context
Located near the epicentre, the project region was particularly severely damaged by the earthquake of 12 January 2010. Most basic social services broke down, increasing the number of people unable to secure their livelihood without external assistance. Among these people were single mothers and their families and persons with disabilities. The risk of earthquakes, floods and hurricanes is still very high in the region.
Objective
The capacity of local authorities in four municipalities of Région de Palmes to be self-reliant and proactive in their reconstruction work has been strengthened, which has secured a more reliable livelihood for the population.
Approach
The project is engaged in five closely aligned development sectors with the aim of advancing physical, economic and social reconstruction:
1. Supporting local authorities
The capacity of local governments is being strengthened by the provision of training and office equipment. To restore their economic capacity, a property survey is being conducted in the Léogâne district as a pilot measure with the aim of improving local services.
2. Developing the local economy
The local economy is being revived through infrastructure reconstruction, the rehabilitation of roadways, the promotion of the fishery sector and training measures for grassroots organisations.
3. Improving disaster risk management
Local disaster committees are being equipped and emergency response units built for local disaster reduction. Mountain tracks are being rehabilitated to improve market access. Carried out in combination with ravine filling, this work is helping to prevent disasters.
4. Including persons with disabilities
Improving the participation of persons with disabilities is a cross-cutting theme. In cooperation with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), a Centre for Inclusion is being run in Port-au-Prince that provides training to organisations for persons with disabilities so as to strengthen their rights in the reconstruction process.
The municipalities are receiving assistance in constructing refuse collection points and drawing up plans for sustainable waste disposal. In addition, the data gathered in the property surveys will be used to arrange for citizens to contribute to financing the costs of waste disposal.
Results achieved so far
Twelve offices have been erected for local authorities. In-service training has been conducted in all four local governments to improve administrative operations in public service sectors (in financial management, for example).
Six fishery centres have been built to promote local fisheries. 300 fishing families have been provided with improved equipment and training.
Five kilometres of mountain tracks have been restored and 2,000 fruit trees planted as a complementary erosion protection measure.
Awareness measures carried out by the Centre for Inclusion have reached more than 5,000 people.
Sustainable waste disposal plans have been drawn up in all municipalities. Seven concrete refuse collection points have been erected and 300 tipping waste containers are in use.