Presidential

Martelly Welcomes $78M [US] IHRC Neighborhood Revitalization Project

PORT-UA-PRINCE, Haiti - On Wednesday, President Michel Martelly welcomed a rebuilding project by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) to revitalize 16 neighborhoods and relocate 30,000 people in living camps spending $78 million [US].

On hand for the announcement was IHRC Co-Chairman, Former U.S. Presiden Bill Clinton who said the project would provide sustainable solutions for people living in neighborhoods devastated by the earthquake and create 4,500 jobs.

The project aims to move 5,239 families living in six camps particularly vulnerable in the 16 districts of Port-au-Prince where there were most of them before the earthquake.

President Michel Martelly and his team identified the camps with the most need of help before submitting the draft to the commission, which approved this week.

"It's a great day for the Haitian people," said Martelly. "It is urgent that these people leave their tents."

Clement Belizaire, the project coordinator for the president, refused to give the names of the camps selected for the project, fearing that other desperate displaced flock there to help.

Michel Martelly also urged international donors to honor their pledges of USD 5.5 billion made last year to support the reconstruction of Haiti.

"I want to take this opportunity to remind the international community to fulfill its promises. We need a lot of money, "said Martelly told reporters in Port-au-Prince.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that some 630,000 Haitians still lack permanent housing. The majority of project funding will come from the Haiti Reconstruction Fund, fed by international donors, and UN.

Related 08.13.2011: Senator Jeanty Calls 'Bluff' on IHRC Balance Sheet
Related 07.23.2011: Haiti Leaders Dependent on IHRC for Reconstruction
Related 06.15.2011: Bill Clinton IHRC Present National Housing Plan
Related 05.26.2011: Martelly Slows Down Rouzier IHRC Rhetoric
Source: Radio Caraibes , Metro News