Le Nouvelleste | Haiti raises $600 million in pledges of $2 billion projected

Haiti’s countries and international partners have pledged a contribution of up to $600 million for the reconstruction of Haiti’s southern peninsula. This was announced by Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henri, on Wednesday, February 16. And that concludes the international effectiveness of financing the south of the island region severely affected by the earthquake of August 14, 2021. These 600 million promises represent 30% of the planned and hoped for reconstruction, i.e. $2 billion. Prime Minister Ariel Henry, on the sidelines of the meeting, made no secret of his satisfaction. “These contributions far exceed our expectations. On behalf of the Haitian people, I extend my sincere thanks to all the countries and organizations that participated in the restoration and reconstruction of the southern peninsula,” stated the Head of Government.

Prime Minister Henry welcomed the solidarity and commitment of the international community in its willingness to support the objectives of the conference. Donors promised that the pledged funds would be used transparently in the service of the people of the Greater South. We understand that these are taxpayer taxes from friendly countries. We will make sure that every dollar reaches those who really need it.

Then Ariel Henry announced that the government would also put its hands in the pocket to support the reconstruction of the Great South. Accordingly, he confirmed that the State of Haiti pledged, through the public treasury, to finance the Southern Peninsula Integrated Recovery Plan (PRIPS) to the tune of 10 billion gourdes over 4 years. Either, the prime minister sets, 2.5 billion gourdes annually on the Public Investment Program (PIP).

UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohamed also thanked all the participants in this international meeting. I have addressed special words to countries and agencies committed to the side of Haiti to promote the recovery of the southern peninsula. “Whatever the level of partners’ contribution, we must make sure that everything is appreciated. The United Nations in general and its agencies remain committed to supporting the Haitian state’s efforts to improve the conditions of the people of this region. The diplomat emphasized that the United Nations remains in solidarity with the Haitian government and will continue to support it in its efforts to recover The entire country through targeted projects.Amina Mohammed also announced the establishment of a special program that oversees the receipt and disbursement of funds in a transparent and orderly manner.The Deputy Secretary-General, in her statements at the opening of the meeting, stressed the need to deliver aid to those who need it most.

The cost of recovery needs for the counties of the Great South is estimated at $2 billion. According to Ariel Henry, this amount is distributed over 4 years. $2 billion distributed over 4 sectors: a productive sector ($197 million). the social sector ($1,515 million); Infrastructure sector (172 million USD); Sectors cross-sectional 94 million US dollars. For the first year, approximately $454,000,000 will be required to implement the payback plan, which represents approximately 25% of the total response amount. To effectively launch the recovery and reconstruction of the southern peninsula, approximately $347,000,000 must be found,” Prime Minister Henry detailed at the start of the meeting.

Among the donors who have pledged their contribution, we can include USAID, which promised an additional envelope of $50 million; Canada, which announces $19.5 million in funding; The World Bank announces a $194 million envelope. Norway has pledged $6 million and the Islamic Development Bank is allocating $80 million.