Haiti’s Northwest $15M road construction remains unfinished after 2 years

PORT-DE-PAIX— Nearly two years after the launch of a $15 million road project intended to connect Port-de-Paix, Saint-Louis-du-Nord and Anse-à-Foleur, it remains unfinished— with less than two miles completed. The project is moving at a pace far beyond its original two-month completion estimate announced in 2024.

The 17-mile corridor, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IBD) and overseen by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications (MTPTC), is the largest infrastructure project awarded to the Northwest Department to date. It was promoted as a catalyst for regional trade, agricultural transport and economic growth.

But progress has been slow.

Since 2024, construction crews have worked along portions of the corridor. Still, residents continue navigating a dusty, uneven roadway prone to mud and standing water, complicating daily commutes and commercial activity.

“Once the drainage work is completed, all that will remain is raising and backfilling to prepare the roadway for asphalt surfacing,” said Angelot Oracius Joseph, the departmental director of the MTPTC in the Northwest—late 2024. “That phase will be completed in a short period.”

Delays persist as first phase remains incomplete

Despite visible activity, the first two miles are still unfinished nearly two years after the project’s groundbreaking.

Oracius attributed the delays primarily to flooding, unstable soil and a high water table that complicates drainage installation.

“During the execution of drainage structures, it is necessary to regularly pump out water, which requires a great deal of time,” he said, adding that work has continued without interruption.

Residents say the pace does not match the urgency of a project widely seen as essential to economic mobility in the region.

“If it takes more than a year to build not even one mile of road, it will take more than 15 years to complete all 17 miles,” said Renel Fontil, 37. “This is not normal for a project that is supposed to improve traffic and transportation.”

Others directly question project leadership.

“Director Oracius has not implemented any effective strategy to move this project forward quickly,” said Edinel Norméus, 39. “He could leave his position without the work being completed. Such a scenario would be disastrous for the three municipalities benefiting from the project.”

Economic hopes tied to completion, as transparency and funding questions linger

Despite frustrations, residents say the road remains critical to the Northwest’s economic future.

Farmers and small business owners expect the project to lower transportation costs, reduce travel time and improve access to markets.

“My agricultural products will be transported more easily and more quickly to local markets once this road is completed,” said Mercidieu Déliard, 55. “The state must push this project forward without interruption.”

Frantzson Gustave, 46, concurred. “This road will be a true engine of economic development for the three towns,” he added. We have waited a long time for this.”

The slow pace has also fueled concerns about oversight and spending.

According to Oracius, $1.9 million has been disbursed so far for the first two kilometers. No detailed public breakdown has been provided for the remaining $13.1 million.

“The funds that have been released must truly be used to move the construction forward,” said Joanel Étienne, 65. “Those in charge must demonstrate transparency and integrity. The suspicion of corruption among project officials is extremely high.”

For many residents, visible progress — not assurances — will determine public trust.

On Jan. 29, officials reported that drainage work was nearly 100% complete and that the first asphalt layers would arrive soon.

“The drainage work, despite the difficulties encountered, has been completed at 90%,” Oracius said. “Residents should remain calm.”

Until now, no updated completion date has been announced.

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