On Friday, as part of the "Fridays of the Environment", the new Director Astrel Joseph of the Directorate of Water Resources (DRE) of the Ministry of Environment (MDE), explained that the primary mission of its Directorate, was to ensure equitable management of these resources with a view to ensuring sustainable development and facilitating cooperation and protection of the environment.

Astrel Joseph, recalled that the actions of the DRE created by Decret in 2005 and in the framework of the organic law of the MDE, revolve around 4 main axes :

(a) Quantitative assessment of surface water and aquifers;

(b) Qualitative assessment of surface waters and aquifers;

(c) The development and implementation of a consultative process for the integrated management of the country's hydrographic watersheds;

d) Planning for water resources security according to variations (scenarios) for the future.

Director Joseph said he was aware that daily water management, to meet basic needs and the right to health and a quality environment in Haiti, is facing a series of obstacles that it is necessary to overcome. To achieve this, he advocates a synergy of actions between the various state entities involved in the water sector and intends to start by structuring its Directorate by setting up in particular :

• A Hydrometeorology Service (SHM) to deal with Climatology and Meteorology ;

• A Hydrology and Sedimentation Service (SHS) to collect data on climate and surface water ;

• A Hydrology and Geophysics Department (SHG) ;

• A Laboratory Quality Control Service (SLCQ).

The Directorate of Water Resources intends to strengthen its structure by also acquiring expertise capable of responding adequately to needs. Director Joseph, despite a difficult task, reiterated his firm commitment to carry out his mission at the head of the DRE.

HL/ HaitiLibre