Three Years After the Earthquake: A Golden Opportunity for Haiti?

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By Kristen and Wawa Chege, Policy Analyst and Advocacy Coordinators, MCC Haiti

Saturday, January 12th, marked three years since the 2010 Haiti Earthquake that caused horrendous destruction, including an estimated 300,000 deaths, and 300,000 injuries. In addition to the immediate loss of lives, the aftermath of the earthquake has also seen hurricanes that have claimed at least 54 more victims, and the introduction of a cholera epidemic that to date has killed 7,912 and counting.

Amidst the loss of life and devastation, Haitians continue to move forward in the reconstruction of their country. Most of the rubble from the earthquake has been cleared, and homeowners are working to repair their houses. But this is not easy, as financial resources in the country continue to dwindle and frustrations mount. Of more than $9 billion dollars donated to Haiti in response to the earthquake, more than half of it has already been committed or spent. Yet, tangible results remain unclear. Leading this list of concerns are the 357,785 people who remain in tent camps, with few options for adequate housing available.

With the earthquake funds drying-up, the emphasis has been placed on addressing the basic needs of those without jobs, homes, adequate healthcare, and education. An overwhelmed government, a distracted international community, and $20 billion in untapped mineral resources create a very lucrative opportunity for foreign mining companies.

Considering the amount of money to be gained, the stakes are high. Haiti stands to be the main beneficiary of large profits to augment its reconstruction efforts. But if done wrong, the opposite may happen, leading to further destruction including environmental devastation, in a country where only about 2% of the original forest cover remains. In addition to the potential environmental degradation, there are also risks of community violence, forced relocation, loss of agriculture, and exploited local communities. As a sobering reminder, the Pueblo Viejo mine just across the border in the Dominican Republic has caused severe environmental damage. Other mining communities in Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala have similarly seen environmental destruction, as well as shattered relationships among community members.

In Haiti’s northern departments, artisanal mining has been going on for generations, and community members can attest to visits from various mining companies over the years showing interest in potential gains. These people remain skeptical to whether they will see any profits coming back to benefit their communities. With royalties being the lowest in the region, it is estimated that over 90% of the profits gained from the extractions will certainly be siphoned from the country.

At least four mining companies have signed exploration agreements. Just in December, two additional contracts were signed moving the extraction process along. Environmental assessments are mandatory before mining can begin, but judging from how quickly the contacts were signed in December (passed-through just four days before Christmas) there is not much trust that the assessments will thoroughly address the necessary concerns. Mining companies have plans to invest tens of millions in exploration activities. But the profits to be gained far outweigh any of their foreseeable expenses.

Holding mining companies accountable to international laws and agreements means ensuring sufficient consultation is conducted. The biggest mistake in the earthquake reconstruction was ignoring local consultation. Let the same mistake not be made twice.

For an update on MCC Haiti Earthquake response see

http://www.mcc.org/stories/news/housing-sustainable-livelihoods-key-mcc-haiti-s-earthquake-response?utm_source=frontpage&utm_medium=feature&utm_campaign=haitihousing