ARTICLE - HINCHE TO ST. RAPHAEL ROAD

40.7 MILLION EUROS FOR 44 KM OF ROAD
(Haiti Libre) -

As part of the commitment of the European Union (EU) with the Haitian government in the area of strengthening its infrastructure, especially after January 12, 2010, the Charge d'Affaires and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Haiti Mr. Carlo De Filippi, and the Haitian Minister of Public Works, Transport, Energy and Communication (MTPTC), Jacques Rousseau, have proceeded officially today, January 25, 2012, to the joint signature of the contract of rehabilitation of the road section Hinche (Centre) - St Raphaël (North), a length of 44 km which constitutes the penultimate section of the National Highway No. 3 (RN3). The complete restoration of RN3 will link the capital Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien, the second largest city of the country in less than 4 hours compared to 8 hours, before the intervention of the European Union.

The financing of the rehabilitation of this new section of National Highway No. 3 (RN3) by the European Union (EU) for an amoiunt of 40.7 million euros through the European Development Fund (FED), is part of the program to support the National Transport Policy (APONTRA), which aims to improve access to the Haitian people to basic infrastructure through the establishment of efficient and sustainable road transport. The program APONTRA also aims to support the government in the establishment of a coherent national road network, articulated between the major cities through efficient management and regular maintenance. The APONTRA Convention signed between the EU and the Republic of Haiti is accompanied by an additional support from France through a contribution of about $40 million euros from the French Development Agency (AFD).

"The launch of this new major project by the European Union and the Republic of Haiti is in line with the priorities set by the 10th European Development Fund (10th FED), which made infrastructures one of the major sectors of European cooperation in Haiti. This vast project also demonstrates the continued involvement and support of the European Union in favor of the development of the country, which is largely by the strengthening of basic infrastructure" declared Mr. Carlo De Filippi, Charge d'Affaires and Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, during the official signing ceremony held today (Jan. 25) on the premises of the Haitian Ministry of Public Works , Transport, Energy and Communication (MTPTC).

After completion with funding from the European Union of the section between Port-au-Prince and Mirebalais of a length of 42 km in 2009, and the section between Hinche and Mirebalais of a length of 54 km in 2011, led to a significant revival of road transport and greater movement of goods and people. The rehabilitation of this new section of 44 km between St Raphaël and Hinche will allow to strengthen the economic growth throughout the region.

This new investment aims to continue to promote the flow of agricultural products to the markets, by increasing trade with the capital, while fostering economic development in the Central Plateau and the North, regions identified as areas with high potential for economic development.

Today, the launch of the construction of this new section between Hinche and Saint Raphaël launches the penultimate stage of the total rehabilitation of national highway number 3 between Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, which will be completed with the rehabilitation of the section between St. Raphael and Cap-Haitien which will begin, through a new financing of the European Union in early 2013.