Haiti: Confronting challenges six months on

ACRA1 camp, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti is home to more than 5,000 people [Robyn Fieser]

Six months after the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the Caribbean island of Haiti, the situation on the ground remains extremely difficult

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“We are confronting the logistical challenges of moving vital supplies of food and materials on a daily basis, as the city of Port au Prince works to clear the millions of tons of rubble which is still blocking the road networks,” said Marie Josette Delorme-Pierre, CAFOD’s Humanitarian Officer, who has been in Haiti.

She continued; “Six months on, people continue to live in makeshift camps, as many buildings remain unsafe and uninhabitable.”

Our supporters responded generously to our Haiti Appeal, raising over £5 million pounds. Marie Josette has been in Haiti assessing how our partners have been able to spend the money raised by providing humanitarian aid to the communities hit hardest by the quake.

She explained: "Together with our Caritas partners - we have been worked tirelessly to provide essential services in the camp settlements, such as clean water, sanitation, health promotion and shelter".

Water and sanitation

Lucienne Lampi, has four children and is living at ACRA 1 camp with three of her daughters and three of her grandchildren. She describes first arriving at the camp settlement and the improvements she has seen over the last six months.

“When we arrived here we only had clothing and sheets to cover ourselves. Then it started raining and that was horrible. There was no bathroom so we went behind the trees.

“I don’t remember when Catholic Relief Services (CAFOD's partner) put in bathrooms, but I do remember that we no longer had to go behind the trees. And with the water here now we are able to bathe the babies and cook without having to go out and look for it," she said.

Lucienne, like many others living in camp settlements is anxious to find work so that she can take care of her family members. “We are all looking for work. I started cleaning the latrines (a CRS cash-for-work job). I sweep, carry water and wash. It’s hard work but at least it is a stable income. My kids are here and I have to feed them.”

Going forward

Matthew Carter Head of CAFOD’s Humanitarian Department said: "Our main priorities going forward will be maintaining these essential services and moving into the reconstruction phase, which will have its own challenges as issues around legality of land ownership are ironed out."

“However it is vital that the people of Haiti themselves play a significant role in the country’s plans to rebuild homes, schools and infrastructure, which requires strong and effective leadership from the Haitian government.

“CAFOD will remain in Haiti for the long haul, working towards real progress in improving the lives of Haitians, no matter how difficult. Our supporters would expect nothing less from us.”

Read more about Lucienne>>

CAFOD is also a member of the DEC.
Find out more about the DEC Haiti appeal >>

For further information or interviews please contact Nana Anto-Awuakye in the CAFOD press office on: Tel: 020 7095 5456 or mobile: 07799 477 541 or email: nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.uk