Haiti: IOM launches disaster risk reduction efforts, rehabilitates shelter infrastructure
With a USD 1 million contribution received from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), IOM Haiti has begun rehabilitating some of the shelter structures, primarily schools and churches, which suffered extensive damage during last year's hurricane season.
IOM began the rehabilitation of shelters on the heels of the Government of Haiti's announcement this week, in partnership with the international humanitarian community, of the country's contingency plan for the upcoming hurricane season. The initiative comes in response to calls by the Government to increase efforts to streamline emergency response plans and increase overall capacity to cope with displacement and damage caused by natural disasters.
In support of the government-led efforts, IOM, as lead agency in the area of shelter and non-food item assistance, undertook to map out the country's temporary shelter infrastructure and assess conditions in which the displaced may be received at those sites.
Some 115 communes have been visited, and more than 828 potential shelter sites were identified, with an overall estimated capacity to accommodate upwards of 150,000 persons.
Additional shelter space is to be established by IOM in the coastal towns of Cabaret and Gonaives, both of which are considered among the country's most vulnerable to floods and landslides due to their deteriorated natural environment and lack of adequate water evacuation piping systems.
Construction of such structures will significantly increase shelter capacity and improve reception conditions, which remain below recommended standards at many locations. Rehabilitation efforts will be complemented through the pre-positioning of essential non-food items, such as hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tools and emergency shelter materials, in key locations around the country.
For the 2009 hurricane season, which lasts from 1 June to 30 November, IOM estimates its funding needs at USD 2.5 million in order to further consolidate national capacity for disaster preparedness, including the provision of adequate shelter responses to the displaced.
For more information, please contact:
Nuno Nunes
IOM Haiti
Tel. +509 2244 1218
E-mail: [email protected]