Systematization of the Debris Management Programme

Systematization of the Debris Management Programme

July 24, 2017

On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Haiti.  The destruction of buildings and infrastructure generated large amount of debris, estimated at 10 million cubic meters, blocking streets and land in affected areas, hindering relief, recovery and reconstruction activities.

The Haiti joint UN Debris Management Projects (the Debris Léogâne project and the Debris I and Debris II projects in Port-au-Prince) were aimed at contributing to the post-earthquake rehabilitation process through the implementation of a debris management strategy encompassing a system of community planning, demolition, debris removal, transportation, recycling and reutilization of debris  of in the rehabilitation of community infrastructures.  

Debris management in Haiti was not seen as set of mechanical cleaning actions, but rather as an open door to encourage the rebuilding of the social fabric, foster rehabilitation, recovery and local economy reactivation.  Debris management became one of the first steps towards rebuilding the country.

The following systematization document delves into the human development approach of the debris management projects implemented in Haiti.

Key Results

  • More than 1,000,000 cubic meters of debris removed
  • 90 percent of Haitian labor utilized
  • More than 36,000 temporary jobs created, including 14,498 assigned to women (39.7 percent)
  • A participatory and inclusive approach, including social mobilization and engaging communities through all the phases of debris management
  • 4 participatory urban diagnostics and master plans covering 9 neighborhoods and creation of 6 community platforms
  • Reactivation of the local economy through the creation and support of small and micro-enterprises
  • Neighborhood rehabilitation, including public squares, paved corridors, construction of retaining walls and stairways, utilizing recycled debris
  • Creation of strategic partnerships with central and local governments, NGOs and the private sector