Friday, at the centre of the Institute of Technology and Animation (ITECA), the humanitarian organization Development and Peace (Canada), completed its construction project of 400 permanent houses in Ti-Boucan (Gressier) in the presence of 400 families relocated, representatives of the Haitian government, Canadian officials, the various community stakeholders and partner organizations.

During the past two years, Development and Peace and his partner ITECA have implemented in Haiti one of the largest resettlement projects in rural areas in the post-earthquake context. This $6.5 million project was jointly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (formerly the Canadian International Development Agency) and Development and Peace. The project represents a real alternative model for post-earthquake reconstruction based on "rebuilding a human habitat" rather than the mere reconstruction of four walls. This project allowed to introduce in Haiti a paraseismic house model made ​​from a new technology (interlocking-blocks) that enables rapid construction, reliable and low cost.

As well as providing new housing for 400 peasant families, the project also created 600 direct jobs, especially for specialized workers and trades people on the various construction sites. With 50 sites on the go practically around the clock over the last two years, the project also generated 100 or so indirect jobs. The 400 recipient families and the residents of Ti-Boucan were not just simple beneficiaries of the project. They were active participants and workers who helped build 400 homes from the bottom up, and brought the community together.

"The completion of the project sends a message of hope for thousands of homeless people who are living in very precarious conditions," says Michael Casey, Executive Director of Development and Peace.

Learn more about Development and Peace :

Development and Peace (The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace) is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada and the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis. Development and Peace is a membership led organization supported by parish collections, individual donations and government grants, principally from the Canadian International Development Agency.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7798-haiti-reconstruction-key-handover-of-50-permanent-houses-in-ti-boucan.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-4813-haiti-reconstruction-$56-million-for-450-homes-in-petit-boucan.html

HL/ HaitiLibre