I’ve been here almost two weeks now and am now preparing for home. The experience has been a rich one for me, but I can’t deny it’s been challenging too.
The needs here were large before the earthquake; now they are huge. It is estimated that before the earthquake only 20% of the population in Port au Prince had access to sanitation facilities. Now with 1.2 million people displaced from their homes, that number is far greater.
Though not in full swing, the rains are certainly frequent now and meteorologists predict they will come early this year. This will be disastrous for those living in tented sites. The plaza near our offices is currently hosting over 2,000 families. We distributed tarpaulins there earlier this week along with rope and poles. The concrete ground of the plaza makes it difficult to fit the poles in the earth, but our shelter team were on hand to advise on how best to make use of the tarpaulins. There are standards about the size of space each family should have in a situation like this (the internationally recognised Sphere standards) but in such a highly populated urban context such as this, attaining such standards is impossible.
Economic recovery is underway, but in small scale compared to need. It’s hard to imagine how many jobs have been lost through the collapse of shops, offices, schools and government buildings as well as homes. Cash for work programmes offer a vital lifeline to many providing a days labour wage and the opportunity to improve the community along the way. Examples of cash for work programmes implemented include:
- Waste Disposal – Tented sites hosting thousands lead to garbage build up which are ideal breeding sites for infection so garbage clearance is an essential consideration.
- Drainage Clearance – Many drainage canals have been blocked with debris. With the rainy season approaching these need to be cleared to prevent significant flooding problems.
Tools appropriate for these jobs are provided to labour groups of approximately 12 people that typically work an 8 hour shift. The psycho-social aspects of cash for work give people a sense of routine and purpose.
Six weeks after the earthquake, much has been done; but there is still so much more to do before the rain falls in earnest.
Kate Akhtar, February 22nd, Haiti.