Valéry Fils-Aimé, the Minister of the Environment, carried out a field visit to Jalousie/Désermite in order to assess the level of environmental degradation observed in several gullies which cross this area highly exposed to natural risks.

This visit, coordinated by the Morne l'Hôpital Platform, allowed the Minister to note the worrying state of four major gullies : Ravine Jalousie, Ravine Cerisier 1, Ravine Cerisier 2 and Ravine Loemenard.

The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Director General of the National Solid Waste Management Service (SNGRS), Ernso Letang, the West Departmental Director of the Ministry of the Environment, David Cossy, as well as his Chief of Staff, Yves Bernard Remarais.

This field mission allowed the delegation to better understand the extent of the challenges facing local populations. The observation is unequivocal : the gullies are heavily clogged with construction debris, solid waste and rubbish which hinder the normal flow of water.

A situation which favors flooding during periods of heavy rain and considerably increases the level of vulnerability of residents living in these areas.

Faced with this reality, Minister Valéry Fils-Aimé stressed the urgency of acting in order to reduce environmental risks and protect the communities concerned. He announced his intention to bring this matter to his colleague at the Ministry of Public Works, as well as to the highest level of the State, in particular to the Prime Minister, with a view to developing synergy to identify and implement lasting solutions to this problem.

Members of the community welcomed the presence of the Minister, believing that this visit demonstrated the Government's desire to get closer to the populations and directly observe the difficulties they face on a daily basis. They also expressed their hope for rapid interventions to reduce the risks to which their families are exposed.

IH/ HaitiLibre