IDA Mobilization Director Dick Underscores Haiti is a Priority

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, which is 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 devasted 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 heavens, 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.

Haiti to maximize impacts from the IDA funding

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 the continuing support of 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, and delivers sustainable results", Dirk said.

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

Despite a volatile situation, the Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building the resilience of the poor.It has adopted a strong rural focus, with over 80% of its programs being implemented in more stable communities outside of the capital, Port-Au-Prince, with the aim of promoting 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 the most vulnerable populations, specifically in areas affected by the recent catastrophes," said Anne-Lucie Lefebvre.

The Haiti program is delivering despite compounded crises

The delegation concluded the three-day visit in the city of Les Cayes, under a bright sun, where the government is realizing important road construction and rehabilitation. Here, the World Bank is supporting the Haitian government in strengthening resilience while also promoting the resumption of economic activities by financing key sectors and enhancing reliable access to basic services and livelihoods.

While travel by road remains the primary mode of transport for people and goods, Haiti's road network is still limited and vulnerable. Haiti's rapid, unregulated urbanization is also resulting in overcrowded cities with poor livabilityand high exposure to natural disaster risk. As 52 percent of Haitians have no access to an all-weather road, Haiti needs to develop resilient infrastructure to improve economic opportunities, especially for the rural population in the agricultural value chains; for public service delivery; and make urban mobility systems more inclusive to close the gender gap in access.

"Thanks to the construction of a hundred bridges, the rural communities are connected to public markets, and opportunities. They can access to basic services such as health, education. While we are ensuring everyone has access to efficient, safe, and affordable mobility, the connection of rural communities will facilitate quick access to humanitarian relief when a catastrophe occurs, as the region is exposed to critical weather situations", said Engineer Michel Audibert, member of the Government Project Implementing Unit.

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