Haiti’s Fight for Clean Water Access
- hl7963
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
By Humaira Hafsa | We Kids United
Haiti is facing a severe water crisis that affects millions of its citizens. Access to clean water has been challenging for Haiti due to its economic limitations and vulnerability to natural disasters. In addition, political instability has also aggravated the crisis. Lack of investment in water infrastructure deprived Haiti’s citizens of one of the most basic needs. Natural disasters have damaged water sources and contaminated supplies, leading to the outbreak of water-borne diseases. Unfortunately, the percentage of the population with access to safe water has decreased in recent years. In 2020, only 48% of Haiti's rural population had access to clean water, an 18% decrease since 1990[4]. The limited availability of clean water has endangered many Haitians' health.
Haiti's infrastructure has suffered from a complex history of political turmoil and economic challenges. Anti-government gang violence weakened Haiti’s economy, which led to the starvation of 1.4 million people[1]. This political turmoil has also forced the closing of one of the country’s main bottled water operators. About 90% of Haitians are suffering from poverty due to the economic shocks. Apart from the ongoing political instability, Haiti is deprived of clean water due to frequent natural disasters. Haiti is frequently hit by hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding, which devastate water sources, disrupt supplies, and further degrade the country’s infrastructure. The 2010 earthquake, for example, destroyed much of the existing water infrastructure, leaving more than 60% of the population without access to safe water[2]. Hurricanes, which hit Haiti almost yearly, also exacerbate water contamination, increasing the outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera. In 2016, hurricane Matthew damaged the water infrastructures in most places in Haiti[3]. The hurricane also contaminated the water sources as the storms and landslides broke latrines. Put together, the constant cycle of disaster and repair has strained Haiti’s limited resources and hindered access to safe water.
While urban areas face significant water challenges, rural communities are disproportionately affected. Among the total population lacking access to safe water, approximately 41% are in rural areas while only 5% are in urban areas[2]. According to UNICEF, 36% of the rural population in Haiti defecates openly, which aggravates the contamination issues. In rural Haiti, communities rely on water sources that are frequently contaminated, making it difficult to maintain good health and hygiene standards. Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is one of the largest cities in the world without a central sewage system[5]. Likewise, the lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities leave Haitians vulnerable to water-borne diseases.
Haiti's economy makes it equally difficult to effectively address the water crisis. With limited funds available, the government prioritizes immediate needs, leaving long-term infrastructure projects underfunded. As the gangs are mostly anti-government, the unstable polity makes it more difficult for Haiti to improve its infrastructure[1]. With the country being prone to natural disasters, it is not unnatural for people to migrate to urban areas with inadequate water infrastructure[6]. This rapid urban migration overwhelms existing systems and increases demand for already limited resources, creating competition for water among the urban poor. The impact on infrastructure heightens the risk of contamination and complicates efforts to ensure clean water access.
Over the years, governmental and non-governmental organizations have tried to improve Haiti’s water access. USAID sanitation in Haiti had a five-year project aimed at providing safe water to 300,000 people[7]. During the cholera outbreak, UNICEF also built many water infrastructures to provide clean water[2]. Nevertheless, we need to provide more support to Haiti to improve its water infrastructure and ensure clean water access.
Addressing Haiti’s water crisis is an urgent humanitarian need. Access to clean water is not only a basic need but also a foundation for economic and social growth. Sustainable practices, such as building resilient infrastructure, are essential to breaking the cycle of dependency and vulnerability. Community involvement in water conservation efforts, along with education on hygiene practices, can empower Haitians to manage resources more effectively. Finally, by investing in long-term solutions, the global community can help Haiti overcome its water crisis, ensuring that clean water becomes accessible to all its citizens.
[1] AP News
[2] UNICEF
[3] PreventionWeb
[4] World Bank
[5] NPR
[6] Forced Migration Review
[7] GlobalWaters.org
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