Two years have passed since the terrible earthquake in Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people. The reconstruction of the country comes under whose only slowly in response: In particular, the ongoing political crisis along with intrigues in Parliament so far prevented the return to normality.
Over 500,000 homeless earthquake victims are still living in tents and shacks. The survival and development prospects of 4.3 million children and adolescents are lagging behind. Most Haitians do not have running water, a toilet or access to a doctor; cholera has claimed thousands of lives and remains a major threat to public health; and more than 70% of the workforce is under or unemployed.
Many millions of dollars of aid money was spent; schools, homes and hospitals have been rebuilt. But aid is still struggling to reach the streets and the 3 million people affected by the earthquake.
Figures released by the UN special envoy for Haiti show that only 53% of the nearly $4.5bn pledged for reconstruction projects in 2010 and 2011 has been delivered.
Facing protests against conditions in camps and increasingly growing frustration among displaced people, the government has promised a resettlement programme. Over the next two years, Champ de Mars residents will be relocated to rebuilt or repaired homes in their neighbourhoods of origin, with the first group being moved as early as March. The project comes with rental assistance, jobs for builders, and support for informal businesses.
The Role of Switzerland in the Haiti Recovery
Swiss aid organizations and the federal government also committed itself to rebuild. Of the 66 million francs collected by the Swiss Solidarity more than 50% were now invested in 50 projects. Of these, 28 have already been completed, 22 are still under development.
16 Swiss relief organizations are currently on mission in Haiti, supporting more than half a million people. The federal government had promised 36 million Swiss Francs for reconstruction. According to the Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) 17.7 million francs have been invested in 2010 and 16.2 million in the past year.
Further information:
The balance of a catastrophe - Reports from Haiti
