This water kiosk in Petit Goâve was broken, requiring the city to turn off the water to it. Residents accused the government of ignoring their plight, breeding discontent among the citizens.
Bakary Sidebe, IOM
BEFORE - This water kiosk in Petit Goâve was broken, requiring the city to turn off the water to it. Residents accused the government of ignoring their plight, breeding discontent among the citizens.
AFTER - The refurbished water kiosk not only brought water to the people, it brought the central government to the people. Representatives of the national water authority worked closely with community members to complete the work as well as devise a plan for maintenance and sustainability. These relationships have restored faith in the government, and the community is now participating in plans for improving the city, including restoring a public market aroundone of the water kiosks.
In Haiti, access to clean water is often a symbol of the difference between the “haves” and the “have nots.” To many people in Petit Goâve, the water system seemed a sign of government neglect, which often had to shut off water to public kiosks due to broken or leaking taps. USAID worked with the government to refurbish four kiosks across Petit Goâve. With new taps and improved structures, the city was able to stop the leaks in the system, ensuring that more sanitary water actually reached the people.
Government works with a community to refurbish
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