Report scrutinizes US efforts to rebuild post-quake Haiti
The report is the latest one to scrutinize how billions of {dollars} had been spent to assist Haiti within the aftermath of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that the Haitian authorities estimates killed some 300,000 individuals.
USAID tasks to rehabilitate rural roads, broaden an influence plant at an industrial park and construct a $4.2 million port in northern Haiti had been canceled. In addition, solely about 900 out of 4,000 deliberate houses had been constructed, given unanticipated excessive prices, the audit discovered.
“Pursuing overly ambitious plans resulted in delays, cost increases, reduced scopes, canceled activities and a costly redesign,” the 93-page report mentioned.
The report mentioned USAID didn’t fully or persistently observe or assess the outcomes of infrastructure tasks.
The company additionally failed to investigate the effectiveness of its efforts to develop Haiti’s National Police via coaching, gear and technical help, the report mentioned. But it added that political instability, violence and civil unrest hampered efforts to assist a police pressure that’s overwhelmed by highly effective gangs that management greater than half of the capital of Port-au-Prince.
The report mentioned USAID construct a $74 million energy plant and improved 24 well being and public amenities as a part of a seamless $89 million well being infrastructure program.
The audit additionally discovered that USAID improved native tax programs, elevated HIV testing and associated companies and helped farmers entry agricultural markets and negotiate higher costs for his or her merchandise through a cell communications system.
Overall, USAID spent $2 billion serving to Haiti rebuild and develop within the fiscal years 2010 to 2020, the audit mentioned.
“These activities have been critical to supporting Haiti after a series of devastating catastrophes and setbacks, but their effectiveness is not fully known,” the report mentioned.
USAID mentioned it has taken steps to make enhancements, together with awarding a brand new contract to gather and analyze information to scrutinize present and previous efforts.
The workplace of Haiti’s prime minister didn’t return a message asking for touch upon the report’s findings.
Haiti continues to be making an attempt to recuperate from the 2010 earthquake in addition to a magnitude 7.2 quake that struck in August 2021, killing greater than 2,200 individuals and damaging greater than 130,000 buildings.