Infrastructure and Energy
Source:http://www.haitiregeneration.org/mvp_scope.
In the last five years a new paved road was completed connecting the town of Port-à-Piment at the base of the watershed to the main cities in the South Department. Water piping systems are in the process of being repaired by the Government-run water company DINEPA. Cell phone coverage reaches the main town, though the coverage is limited within the upper watershed areas. While these are signs of tremendous progress, their benefits have been limited to the coastal areas. Additional work will be needed to extend these improvements so that their impact can be felt across the broader watershed area.
The energy sector in Port-à-Piment is directly linked to the environment. It is estimated that most watershed residents participate at least occasionally in the production of charcoal, which is primarily sent to large urban areas such as Port au Prince. This is an unsustainable system to supply energy for the growing population demands, given that charcoal production is the primary driver of deforestation in the country. Access to electricity as an alternative is very limited, and those households that are privileged enough to be connected to a local mini grid are still unable to depend on continuous provision of service.
Strategies to Achieve MDGs 1 & 7 – Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger and Ensure Environmental Sustainability.
The energy sector will focus on achieving sustainable charcoal production and promoting charcoal alternatives. Specific interventions to provide alternative sources of energy will include a rechargeable LED lantern program that incorporates small business development, a household cookstove program, and the development of small-scale electric grids. The Government of Haiti and the Interamerican Development Bank have selected Port-à-Piment hospital for the installation of a solar photovoltaic system to power lights, instruments, vaccine refrigerators and other vital equipment