Monday, the European Union (EU) and its partners closed the important project "Menm Katye Lot Visaj" launched in June 2014 as part of the European Union Neighborhood Management Program (PARAQ) and implemented in the informal neighborhood of Haut-Turgeau and Debussy with the aim of improving the living environment and the safety of the inhabitants.

On this occasion, were inaugurated with the inhabitants of the neighborhood the new infrastructure built. Thanks to infrastructure improvements, residents can now benefit from comfortable and accessible social spaces. Formerly threatened by floods, and difficult of access, some sites such as the source, the Cave are now protected and have a public wash and a playground and relaxation area. The Ravine Lucien whose reconstruction required 1000 m³ of stone, is secured and provided throughout its path of public spaces. In addition, nearly one kilometer of corridors have been reconstructed, and rainwater drainage has been improved, significantly reducing flooding in the area. No less than 85 housing units with latrines were constructed or rehabilitated to earthquake-resistant standards. In addition, access to basic services has been strengthened with now 1,000 households served by a waste collection service and toilets have been provided in schools. In addition, economic activities were initiated through the project: 15 micro-enterprises were created, 100 small merchants were supported and savings were stimulated by the granting of micro-credits. Finally, multisectoral action has been deployed to provide a better living environment but also to improve the economic and social inclusion of vulnerable and at-risk households.

The overall value of the project "Menm Katye Lot Visaj" amounts to € 4.5 million, 80% financed by the EU, the rest being financed by the International Humanitarian Organization GOAL, CARE, Entrepreneurs du Monde, OFDA, Jersey Overseas Aid and Bank of Ireland.

In his speech, EU Ambassador Vincent Degert declared "The many actions carried out here with GOAL and all the partners illustrate concretely how we can, by uniting our forces, give another face to a whole neighborhood [...] The new infrastructures give the neighborhood not only a more pleasant living environment but also better protect the community against natural hazards such as floods. I am therefore particularly happy that all these actions were carried out in a participative process by consulting the inhabitants of the zone at each decisive stage."

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre