On his first visit to Haiti at the end of August 2024, Dirk Reinermann, Director for Resource Mobilization with the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), toured the new location of the National Emergency Operations Center of the Direction Générale de la Protection Civile. The recently inaugurated 480 square-meter facility, partly financed by IDA, aims to improve coordination among populations at risk before, during, or after climatic, geological, or other events.
Forty-eight hours after arriving in Haiti, Reinermann visited the southern region along with Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean and Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, Haiti’s Country Manager. This area was devastated by an earthquake in 2021 and a category 4 hurricane in 2016. During his visit, Reinermann observed ongoing projects including departmental and communal Emergency Operation Centers and construction sites for safe havens and rural houses built using improved local construction techniques.
“The WBG is currently engaged in improving early warning systems, providing safe havens, and strengthening the government’s emergency response capacity,” said Burunciuc. “We want to support the government's efforts as Haiti rebuilds.”
Haiti's chronic exposure to natural disasters undermines its development efforts and exacerbates poverty through deepening sectoral vulnerabilities. Physical infrastructure across all sectors suffers from significant exposure to natural hazards.
Reinermann's visit came at a critical time as Haiti faces a multi-dimensional crisis characterized by an unpredictable security context, increasing armed group violence, lingering political instability, high food insecurity levels, and a weakened social contract. To address these issues effectively, continued support from donors like IDA is essential.
“We had very important conversations with government partners and civil society organizations on how we can further maximize the impact of World Bank investments in Haiti. IDA contributes to peace and stability reaches the poorest people and delivers sustainable results,” said Reinermann.
During his mission, Reinermann met with Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille; Minister of Finance Ketleen Florestal; members of cabinet; development partners; and other key stakeholders to discuss extending IDA funding impacts in Haiti. The Haitian Government will work closely with the World Bank on restructuring existing operations to deliver targeted results on the ground.
Despite a volatile situation, the Bank remains committed to building resilience among poor communities. It has adopted a strong rural focus with over 80% of its programs being implemented outside Port-Au-Prince to promote access to sustainable basic services.
“The impact of World Bank-financed operations in disaster risk management and human development are notable on the lives of vulnerable populations specifically in areas affected by recent catastrophes,” said Lefebvre.
The delegation concluded their three-day visit in Les Cayes where road construction and rehabilitation projects are underway. Here too, the World Bank supports strengthening resilience while promoting economic activities by financing key sectors and enhancing reliable access to basic services.
While road travel remains primary for people and goods transport in Haiti its network is limited and vulnerable due rapid unregulated urbanization resulting overcrowded cities poor livability high disaster risk exposure As majority Haitians lack access all-weather roads resilient infrastructure needed improve economic opportunities especially rural population agricultural value chains public service delivery make urban mobility inclusive close gender gap
“Thanks to constructing hundred bridges rural communities connected public markets opportunities They can access basic services such health education Ensuring everyone efficient safe affordable mobility connection facilitate quick humanitarian relief when catastrophe occurs exposed critical weather situations” said Engineer Michel Audibert member Government Project Implementing Unit