ARTICLE - MODERN SANITATION IN HAITI

BEGINNING OF MODERN SANITATION IN HAITI
(Haiti Libre) -

President Michel Martelly, Mr. Gérald Jean-Baptiste, Director General of the National Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation (DINEPA), and Executive Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECI) Mr. Juan López-Dóriga, have proceeded officially, Wednesday, May 23, at the inauguration of an excreta and wastewater treatment plant for the metropolitan area. This site of 12.5 ha is located in Titanyen, on the corner of Route 9 and Route National #1 (Croix-des-Bouquets). The physico-chemical controls performed in a laboratory allows the treatment of 900 cubic meters of water per day and the release into the environment of the clean water obtained.

"The cholera epidemic is forcing us to understand how important and meaningful is the implementation of this treatment unit. The interesting thing with this station in Titanyen is that from a process of natural treatment, the water will be cleared of 90% of its pollution load and can be used again. In addition, the operation of the system is inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance," welcomed the Head of State. According to forecasts, more than 1.5 million people will benefit directly from this station.

With a continuous operation, 24 hours a day, the station combines sedimentation, natural degradation of sludge by anaerobic digestion and the treatment of suspended solids by aerobic oxidation. The design and implementation of the sanitation works have been conducted following a study funded by UNICEF.

The environment is a top priority for President Martelly through his political program focused on the "5 E". "The problem addressed by the treatment unit that I inaugurate today makes us think about the merits of this vision. The management of human waste is one of those essential tasks to which we must devote the Public Authority," declared the Head of State.

The realization of this treatment plant is possible through the determination of the President of the Republic, said Mr. Juan López-Dóriga indicating that AECID strongly supports the strategy implemented by DINEPA in sanitation. Like Mr. López-Dóriga, Mr. Gérald Jean-Baptiste congratulated President Martelly for his decisive involvement in the prompt execution of this project.

"This station, in operation today, marks the beginning of the takeoff of modern sanitation in Haiti. It constitutes the first of a series of 8 other stations planned and under construction in the country," announced Jacques Rousseau, the Minister of Public Works, Transport and Energy.

The Head of State, in presence of the Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Manuel Hernández Ruigómez, thanked the Executive Director of AECID for his continued support to Haiti's development. This is a collaboration that, long before January 12, 2010, demonstrates the commitment of the Government and people of Spain to the country.

In October 2011, the President of the Republic and Queen Sofia of Spain had visited the construction of the wastewater treatment plant of Titanyen. On this occasion, President Martelly had deaclared that "this constant collaboration is the reason why Spain was the first country in Europe where he visited after being inaugurated as President of Haiti and is a sign of deep respect and gratitude."

In Haiti, Spain is at the head of entities committing their efforts to deliver drinking water and sanitation to 52% of Haitians who do not yet have access to these services.

The President of the Republic hopes that a manufacturing plant of compost will be associated with the treatment plant of Titanyen; "thus, the problem that there is currently, human excreta, would become fertilizer, and would serve for our agriculture. This exercise of valuation is not out of reach. Because in some countries, such a solution has been tried and adopted. The agriculture of these countries has benefited significantly.