On Friday, January 30, 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of the Environment (MdE), and the Government of Japan inaugurated the Morne Casse Solid Waste Landfill Center, located in the municipality of Fort-Liberté (Northeast Department).

This new infrastructure, built as part of the Solid Waste Management System Strengthening Project in Haiti, implemented by UNDP with financial support from the Government of Japan, represents a significant step in improving solid waste management in the region. It provides local communities with a secure, controlled, and appropriate site, while reducing the health, environmental, and economic risks associated with illegal dumping.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Xavier Michon, UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti, Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils, Minister of the Environment, Ueno Yohei, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan, as well as local authorities from the municipalities of Fort-Liberté, Ouanaminthe, and Ferrier, and civil society organizations from the Northeast region.

The Morne Casse Center includes a landfill cell of over 22,000 m², as well as a weighbridge, enabling the collection of reliable data on the volumes of waste processed and improving the planning and monitoring of operations. Beyond landfilling, the Morne Casse Center offers concrete prospects for waste recovery through activities such as storage, sorting, recycling, and composting, and ultimately, biogas production.

In his remarks, Xavier Michon, UNDP Resident Representative, stated, "We are proud to see this infrastructure completed, the result of close collaboration between UNDP, Japan, and the Haitian government, through the Ministry of the Environment and local communities. We hope that the communities involved will take ownership of it and use it responsibly and sustainably."

For his part, Ueno Yohei, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing its support for the Haitian government in improving the living conditions of the population : "This project illustrates the strength of the cooperation between Japan and Haiti, as well as the enduring solidarity between the Haitian and Japanese people."

Minister Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils emphasized the strategic importance of this infrastructure for the Northeast region and for national environmental policy : "This project represents a major opportunity for the Northeast region. First and foremost, it serves as an exemplary model of sustainable waste management, demonstrating our commitment to the environment."

Étienne Louis Jacques, the acting mayor of Fort-Liberté, welcoming the support of UNDP and Japan, stated, "The commissioning of this site finally provides a suitable space for waste disposal. It will help limit losses suffered by livestock farmers, particularly the death of animals exposed to waste, and improve the living conditions of the population."

For his part, Tide Jose, the acting mayor of Ouanaminthe, emphasized the strategic importance of the infrastructure for his municipality : "This center is an essential component of the response to the waste management problem in Ouanaminthe. It is a concrete step towards more organized and responsible management, thanks to the commitment of the Ministry of the Environment, UNDP, and the Embassy of Japan."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42027-haiti-health-the-dangers-of-burning-solid-waste-in-the-open-air.html

HL/ HaitiLibre