After 4 weeks of interruption, the 3 binational markets of Dajabon, Elías Piña and Jimani reopened today under heavy security, both military and health. The sanitary cordon is to ensure that the Dominicans, which come to buy or sell in these markets are not contaminated by cholera coming from Haiti.

The markets have three wards, with rehydration serum and health personnel ready to intervene if necessary. The Dominican Ministry of Health, installed portable toilets and wash basins for disinfection. The hospitals of proximity reserved rooms isolated to accommodate possible cases of cholera. Loudspeakers broadcast messages to traders to encourage them to go to health facilities for washing hands, where soap and disinfectant are available All of these health measures are conducted under strict military surveillance.

In Dajabon, all traders comming from Haiti by the new bridge must pass through a gate controlled by the special unit of CESFRONT that ensures control of people and goods.

On the Dajabon market, which can accommodate up to 3,000 merchants and 18,000 customers during its bi-weekly markets, the Dominicans can sell all types of products including food, while the Haitian merchant may sell all kinds of products with the exception of products intended for human consumption.

Relations remain tense between Dominicans and Haitians. Most traders are aware of the dangers of cholera, but they need to sell to survive. For the past 4 weeks, Dajabón residents, estimate that the disruption of trade at the border since the beginning of the epidemic of cholera, cause a shortfall of about 190 million pesos.

S/ HaitiLibre