GEO Haiti 2010

State of the Environment Report 2010
Figure 72: Urban Growth of the City of Les Cayess
127
Source: CNIGS, 2009
8.2.1 The Housing Problem
Theoretically, housing and health are closely
related. Shelter is considered one of the
fundamental needs of human beings, along
with clothing and food. Proper housing is a
condition of sound mental and physical health,
and psychological security. It also protects its
occupants from environmental hazards.
For several decades, Haiti has been undergoing an
acute housing crisis due to various interdependent
factors among which, the most important, is
demographic expansion. It is particularly evident
in large cities such as Port-au-Prince, Carrefour,
Cap-Haïtien and Gonaïves. As is the case with
other Southern countries, the housing problem
in Haiti is very serious, both in terms of the issues
at stake and challenges to overcome.
As the issue of housing is inextricably linked to
the environment, to the population’s lifestyle and
to economic development in general, it must be
properly understood in order for decision-makers
to take the appropriate measures.
Throughout the world, rural populations migrate
to cities for diverse reasons. In developing
countries, particularly in Haiti, migrants bring
their rural way of life with them such as livestockrearing
and vegetable plots, often incompatible
with city-life. This gives rise to problems such
as: reduced agricultural production, improper
disposal of waste and wastewater, haphazard
construction without basic infrastructure, and
the occupation of public spaces. The authorities
do not have control of this global situation.
These practices have severe environmental and
health implications including:
• Significantly Deteriorated
Housing Conditions
Regulations governing construction have not
been enforced for several decades and penalties