$15M road project reshapes Haiti’s northwest, connecting three key towns

PORT-DE-PAIX — After three years of planning and resolving land expropriation issues, the long-awaited construction of a 17-mile road linking Port-de-Paix to Anse-à-Foleur in the Northwest Department officially began on Nov. 20 to the delight of many. Financed entirely with a donation by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the project will cost $15 million and provide immediate employment to more than fifty people in the region, officials said.

The Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MTPTC) in the Northwest department executes the project, while Italian firm Technic-Plan supervises the works. The 17-mile road construction is expected to be completed in seven months.

This project, connecting three out of 10 northwestern communes—Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis du Nord and Anse-à-Foleur—represents a significant milestone in addressing the department’s longstanding infrastructure challenges. With full funding from the IDB, the road aims to boost economic activity, ease travel, and improve living conditions for thousands of residents. However, the construction takes place amid ongoing political instability and security threats from armed gangs, underlining the critical need for collaborative efforts to ensure its completion and long-term benefits for the region.

“Everyone must know that it is not the money of the Haitian State that is funding this road construction project. It is financed in its entirety by the Inter-American Development Bank.”

Agelot Joseph Oracius, Departmental Director of Haiti’s Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MTPTC)

On that road, a major hurdle that once created disconnections between Saint-Louis du Nord and Anse-à-Foleur was the Rivière-des-Barres, a large river frequently overflowing and isolating communities during the rainy season. This challenge was addressed between 2020 and 2021 with the construction of a bridge over the river—one of the region’s most significant government infrastructure projects in recent years. Undertaken during the tenure of the late President Jovenel Moïse, the bridge has been instrumental in improving connectivity and accessibility, rescuing residents from isolation, particularly during flooding.

The bridge’s construction has significantly alleviated challenges for communities such as Anse-à-Foleur and those located east and northeast of Saint-Louis du Nord, which previously faced severe isolation during heavy rains. It now provides a dependable passage for residents, enabling smoother transportation and facilitating economic activities previously disrupted by seasonal flooding.

However, fully realizing the area’s connectivity depends on completing the road construction linking the three key areas, including Port-de-Paix. While the bridge marked a major milestone, the ongoing road infrastructure improvements remain crucial to fully integrating these communities and unlocking their economic potential.

Angelot Joseph Oracius, departmental director of the MTPTC, acknowledged the difficulties of carrying out such a large-scale project amidst Haiti’s political instability and security issues. He clarified that the Haitian government does not fund the project; it is entirely financed by the IDB.

“Everyone must know that it is not the money of the Haitian state that is funding this road construction project,” Oracius emphasized. “It is financed in its entirety by the Inter-American Development Bank.”

IBD has already disbursed $1.9 million for initial work, with progress including earthmoving, sidewalk construction, and temporary diversions to reduce traffic congestion during construction. However, ongoing insecurity along National Road #5, where gangs control access to Gros-Morne’s asphalt manufacturing plant, has forced local authorities to seek a temporary alternative in Port-de-Paix.

Community impact and reactions amid a boon for drivers and traders

The road construction project has created employment opportunities for over 50 individuals, including engineers, laborers and surveyors. Residents of concerned areas expressed relief and hope for the improved infrastructure.

Jean Mary Guillaume, a hospitality entrepreneur in Port-de-Paix, applauded the initiative and shared his transport challenges due to the current road conditions. “Mud and dust on this dirt road make it inaccessible for buyers to reach my restaurant,” he said. 

Despite uncertainties about compensation for expropriated land,  Guillaume willingly gave up part of his property to facilitate construction, encouraging others to do the same.

For Jean Wislet Lordéus, a laborer working on the site, the project represents progress. “This road, seven meters wide with 1.5-meter sidewalks, is essential for connecting Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis du Nord, and Anse-à-Foleur. I am also happy that it provides me with temporary employment in this time of multiple hardships.”

The poor condition of the road has long frustrated vehicle drivers and traders. Gregory Georges, a public transport driver, recounted frequent vehicle breakdowns due to the road’s condition. “Seven years of driving on this road has cost me time and income,” he said. 

“ I am optimistic that the project will ease transportation challenges. I won’t have to lose many work days when it’s raining anymore because of the flooded road,” Georges, 41, added.

Merchants of agricultural products like Mirline Verdule also highlighted the economic toll of the region’s bad infrastructure on them. Verdule described how road cavities and dust cause health issues, such as colds and sore eyes. “This project gives us hope for business practices in better conditions,” she added.

Adequate road infrastructure still lags behind in most of Northwest

While this 17-mile road marks progress, most challenges remain in the broader region. Roads from Port-de-Paix, the department’s capital city, to other communes, including Jean-Rabel, Baie-de-Henne, Môle Saint-Nicolas, Bombardopolis, Bassin-Bleu, and Chansolme, remain in dire need of development. 

Significant portions of these routes feature even worse conditions than the Port-de-Paix/Anse-à-Foleur circuit, complicating access to many parts of the region and underscoring the need for larger-scale investments in Haiti’s transport infrastructure.

“ I am optimistic that the project will ease transportation challenges. I won’t have to lose many work days when it’s raining anymore because of the flooded road.”

Gregory Georges, Public Transport Driver in the area

Despite obstacles, MTPTC Director Oracius commended the community for their support and urged continued collaboration to ensure the project’s success. “We are working rigorously to complete this road within seven months, but challenges like bad weather or fuel shortages could delay us,” he cautioned.

According to the local officials, if completed on schedule, this project will facilitate travel, enhance property values, and boost economic activities in the region. “This is an example of what collaborative efforts between international donors and local authorities can achieve for Haiti’s development,” Oracius rejoiced.

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$15M road project reshapes Haiti’s northwest, connecting three key towns was first posted on December 6, 2024 at 3:16 pm.