World Bank official visits Haiti highlights ongoing support amid crises

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Ajay Banga 14th President of the World Bank Group | https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com

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 the International Development Association, will facilitate better coordination among populations at-risk before, during or after climatic, geological, or other events.

Forty-eight hours after landing in Haiti, Dirk – along with Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean and Anne-Lucie Lefebvre, Haiti’s Country Manager – visited the southern region. This area was devastated by an earthquake in 2021 and a category 4 hurricane in 2016. Wearing a black cap to shield him from the Haitian sun, Dirk visited ongoing projects including departmental and communal Emergency Operation Centers, construction sites for safe havens, and rural houses built during hands-on training in improved local construction techniques for local masons.

“The WBG is currently engaged in improving early warning systems, providing safe havens, and strengthening the government’s emergency response capacity,” said Lilia Burunciuc. “We want to support the government's efforts as Haiti rebuilds.”

Haiti’s chronic and high exposure to natural disasters undermines its development efforts and exacerbates chronic poverty through deepening sector and territorial vulnerabilities. Physical infrastructure across all sectors suffers from significant exposure to and high impacts of natural hazards.

Dirk’s visit came at a critical time. Haiti is facing a multi-dimensional crisis characterized by an unpredictable security context, increasing armed group violence, lingering political instability, a high level of food insecurity, and a weakened social contract. To address the country’s key drivers of fragility and poverty factors, Haiti will need continuing support from donors such as IDA.

“We had very important conversations with government donor 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 delivers sustainable results,” Dirk said.

Dirk met with H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Garry Conille; Minister of Finance Ketleen Florestal; members of cabinet; development partners; and other key stakeholders to highlight extending IDA funding impacts in Haiti. The Haitian Government will work closely with the World Bank on restructuring existing operations aiming to deliver targeted and timely results on the ground.

Despite a volatile situation, the Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building resilience among poor communities. It has adopted a strong rural focus with over 80% of its programs being implemented in more stable communities outside Port-Au-Prince aiming 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 Anne-Lucie Lefebvre.

The delegation concluded their three-day visit in Les Cayes where important road construction and rehabilitation are underway supported by World Bank financing aimed at strengthening resilience while promoting economic activity resumption by enhancing reliable access to basic services livelihoods.

While road travel remains primary transport mode for people goods Haiti's road network is limited vulnerable rapid unregulated urbanization resulting overcrowded cities poor livability high exposure natural disaster risk As 52 percent Haitians lack all-weather road access resilient infrastructure needed improve economic opportunities especially rural population agricultural value chains public service delivery make urban mobility systems inclusive close gender gap access

“Thanks to constructing hundred bridges rural communities connected public markets opportunities They can access basic services such health education While ensuring everyone efficient safe affordable mobility connection rural communities facilitates quick humanitarian relief catastrophe occurs region exposed critical weather situations” said Engineer Michel Audibert member Government Project Implementing Unit.