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Hazard Mitigation & Vulnerability Reduction Plan
Jérémie, Haiti

A Programme to Mitigate the Impacts of Natural Hazards
Detailed List of Proposed Projects

The pre-feasibility study for CDMP's hazard and vulnerability assessment work in Jeremie, proposed four major projects:

  1. Preparation of A Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Reduction Plan to assess the physical nature of all hazards affecting Jeremie, and the vulnerability of the town to these hazards; and to propose sustainable management strategies for vulnerability reduction/hazard mitigation. This programme of activities has been completed. This plan will help in hazard mitigation and vulnerability reduction by providing necessary information on the nature of hazards and vulnerability in Jeremie.
  2. Preparation of A Plan for the Rationalisation and Expansion of Storm Water Disposal Capacity in Jeremie.
  3. A Rapid Watershed Assessment to provide guidelines for the communities within the Grande Anse watershed to regulate exploitation of watershed resources, and ensure sustainable use.
  4. A Plan for Riverbank Stabilization on the Grande Anse between Jeremie and Marfranc primarily to reduce the rate of sedimentation near the pier at Jeremie and the vulnerability of communities along the river bank. It will also promote the sustainable use of bamboo as an alternative construction material.

The report Hazard Mitigation & Vulnerability Reduction Plan for Jeremie Haiti, of which this document forms a part, describes the results of activity #1, A Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Reduction Plan. Fifty specific hazard vulnerability reduction projects were developed as part of this plan. These 50 projects are described below. Additional financial assistance is required in order to undertake the three latter projects. Background information and technical proposals are provided for each of the three remaining activities (rationalization of storm water disposal, rapid watershed assessment and riverbank stabilization) follow the list of 50 projects. A summary list of these projects is also available.

Each of these projects will assist in the reduction of vulnerability and the mitigation of natural hazards in the Grande Anse region in general, and in Jeremie in particular.

Hazard Mitigation Project Proposals

Project Number:

1 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Upper Rue Adrien Brutus: train gully
Rationale: Presently this road acts as a storm water conduit, eventually connecting into the Rue Martineau. Because of this, the road is often flooded and impassable. Erosion of the road surface creates problems for the community.
Executor (rec): Community group
Material input: Cement, sand, labor.
Training input:
Technical input: Engineering design for storm drain.
Technique: A storm drain needs to be built along the road. This should connect with the Rue Martineau storm drain.
Target Zone: Upper Rue Adrien Brutus
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

2 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Minimal loss of function due to hazards.
Intervention: Programme to upgrade critical facilities
Rationale: Critical facilities have been mapped and identified in each major "vulnerability zone". Many of these are in various stages of disrepair, which means greater potential for loss of function, in the aftermath of a disaster.
Executor (rec):
Material input: inputs will depend on the repairs that are identified.
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: A prioritized programme of activities can be developed, based on the critical facilities inventory - each critical facility, in terms of priority, should be retrofitted and upgraded to increase its resilience to natural disasters. A series of small scale projects can be generated from this group.
Target Zone: critical facilities
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

3 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased community preparedness/awareness of natural disasters
Intervention: Newsletter
Rationale: The Newsletter will serve to inform the community about happenings in Jeremie and surrounding areas. It could also include news on on-going projects and ways in which people can become involved, as well as training opportunities.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input
Training input
Technical input
Technique: The Newsletter can be a simple 2-page flier that is distributed to community groups and NGOs in the town. Information about disaster management can be included as well as success stories to motivate and mobilize other groups.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

4 A
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: high
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding/groundwater contamination
Intervention: Implement Early Warning System
Rationale: Rising river stage at Beaucalin (~15 km from the Gebeau and La Digue) usually indicates the potential for flooding lower down. The EWS can be implemented to alert these communities when evacuation may be necessary.
Executor (rec): JDMC/CDMP
Material input: Radios at Beaucalin and in Jeremie. Calibrated staff
Training input:
Technical input: Calibration and measure of the river sections; Correlations between rainfall events, river stage responses at Beaucalin and Gebeau/La Digue must be done by a watershed specialist.
Technique: A site along the river has been selected at Beaucalin. A gauged staff can be erected near the river, so that the level can be easily read. The cross-sectional area of the stream can be measure to determine the  discharge-stage relationship. Once the velocity is known, calculations can be made about how long it will take before there is a stage response in Gebeau/La Digue area. Observations, and correlations between Beaucalin and the floodplain sites must be undertaken to determine the timing. Also, factors affecting stage response (e.g. antecedent moisture conditions) must also be monitored.
Target Zone: Gebeau and La Digue
Threat:
Opportunities: Mademoiselle Merta Pamphile has volunteered to monitor the stream stage and radio the warnings; There is a watershed specialist on staff
Project Number:

5 A
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding/river bank erosion
Intervention: Introduce the use of bamboo for river bank stabilisation
Rationale: Bamboo grows rapidly along river banks and the roots can stabilise the banks. Bamboo stalks grown can be harvested to make crafts, screens, furniture etc.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input: bamboo seedlings
Training input:
Technical input: Guidance on optimal cultivation methods for bamboo.
Technique: Planting of bamboo culms along the banks, especially in areas where active erosion is occurring.
Target Zone: Upper Madam Codo - Rochasse
Threat:
Opportunities: Bamboo grows wild along the banks of the Grande Anse and plants can be sourced from here
Project Number:

6 A
Result term: long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Education program to inform about the effects of overgrazing, and how to prevent it.
Rationale: The success of regrassing and reforestation schemes will be limited unless animals are prevented from overgrazing seedlings.
Executor (rec): NGO (?)
Material input: Assistance to produce pamphlets, or posters
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Relevant alternatives for grazing animals need to be taught to animal owners - animal pens need to be encouraged, as well alternative animal foods. Specific plots could be cultivated as pasture.
Target Zone: Jeremie, especially the upland areas (Bordes, Callasse, Rochasse).
Threat:
Opportunities: Assistance could be sought from Jebo or CARE
Project Number:

7 A
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from slope failure.
Intervention: Controlled grey water disposal.
Rationale: Many homes in the Berquier/St. Helene area tend to discharge gray water down the slope, rather than to connect with a road drain or soakway system. This results of loading of the slope, and increased risk of soil loss and failure.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input: Pipes and culverts.
Training input: Householders need to be informed of the drainage design.
Technical input: An engineering design for waste water run-offs for the community.
Technique: Graywater (from showers and sinks) can be tied into the drainage system of the road.
Target Zone: Elevated areas in Berquier
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

8 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased co-ordination of critical facilities before, and after a disaster.
Intervention: Development of a critical facilities mobilization plan
Rationale: Although many facilities may be thought by many to be important, there involvement in disaster management will be most effective if a plan is devised, with pre-arranged memoranda of understanding for each facility's role.
Executor (rec): committee
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: Advice on how to develop the plan.
Technique: The committee can make the necessary contacts with the Heads of various critical facilities and ask whether the facility may used for disaster management (e.g. schools as shelters etc.). There should be a clear plan in terms of the sequence of mobilization of facilities etc. Lists of contact etc. must be prepared.
Target Zone: critical facilities
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

9 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Project Sacre Coeur: Gully training
Rationale: A small shallow gully running from Bordes downslope to the College of Sacre Coeur creates significant flooding in the classrooms. Gabions have been placed across the section to try to slow the flow. Concrete covered shallow drains result in backing up of storm water and flooding of the classrooms. This water also affects the buildings across the road (Rue Source Dommage).
Executor (rec): Community group
Material input: Shovels, picks, cement, sand, labour.
Training input:
Technical input: Engineering design.
Technique: This gully needs to be deepened, widened and straightened. If possible, the upper sections should be maintained as an earth drain with reinforced, vegetated banks. The drainage channel and culverts immediately around the school, and across the road needs to have a capacity large enough to accommodate the peak flows.
Target Zone: Slope above Sacre Coeur and across the road (Source Dommage)
Threat: Continued erosion of topsoil in Bordes causes sedimentation of drains and loss of capacity.
Opportunities: Routine clearing of debris of the drain should be help increase capacity as well.
Project Number:

10 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding/groundwater contamination
Intervention: Develop effective evacuation response plan for EWS
Rationale: The EWS will provide timely information for effective evacuation of communities at risk from flooding in Gebeau and La Digue.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: A plan must be developed in terms of where and how flood victims can be moved in the event of a warning from the EWS. Shelters could be established on higher ground - e.g. churches and schools
Target Zone:
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

11 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Training of the Brouette gully
Rationale: This major footpath lacks any form of drainage and when it rains, the path itself becomes a major storm water drain. Many people including students attending Nord Alexis high school are unable to easily get between Brouette and La Source when it rains.
Executor (rec): Community group
Material input: Cement, mixing sand, labour, transportation of materials.
Training input:
Technical input: Engineering design for storm water drain
Technique: There are two possible option (a) construct a suitably sized storm water drain to route the water alongside the footpath or (b) route the stormwater running off from Rue Nan Brouette along a larger sized drain parallel to Rue Nan Brouette.
Target Zone: Path connecting Rue Nan Bouette to La Source Dommage, which runs behind Nord Alexis High School
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

12 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Training of the lower Berquier gully
Rationale: The storm water disposal capacity at this locality is inadequate. Training will increase the capacity and prevent flooding of homes, especially in the lower course. Provision of a small elevated path, and a foot bridge should also help to prevent disruption during floods as the community uses the gully as a major thoroughfare.
Executor (rec): Community group
Material input: Heavy equipment; labour; cement etc.
Training input:
Technical input: Engineering design (possible TPTC assisted)
Technique: The existing gully must be deepened to prevent flood waters from rising and flooding houses; it may be necessary to construct a floodwall on the northern side of this gully. A pathway along the 250 m stretch should be maintained. A small pedestrian bridge is needed, possibly located near the intersection with Rue la Paix.
Target Zone: Approximately 250 m stretch moving inland from the Berquier Bridge
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number: 13 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Clean-up drains and gullies
Rationale: Sediment that builds up in the lower courses of gullies, drains and culverts block and diminish the existing storm water disposal capacity, thus resulting localized flooding.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input: Wheel barrows and spades to each group.
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Street-level community groups could be mobilized to undertake this activity before the rainy season, and after major storm events that transport down sediment. There should be designated landfills in each area for safe disposal of sediments and trash removed from the drains.
Target Zone: The flatter low lying areas of the town.
Threat: If removed sediments are improperly disposed.
Opportunities: Dredged Material input can be reused to replace lost soil
Project Number:

14 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Introduce design technology whereby walls of paved drains are lined with boulders.
Rationale: This would increase the surface roughness in storm water drains, and thus the drag on flowing water. This will have the overall effect of slowing down the velocity of storm water.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input Boulders between 10-40 cm in diameter for lining walls.
Training input Training of trainers. Demonstration plot
Technical input Engineering design
Technique: In accordance with engineering design.
Target Zone: This is particularly relevant to areas above flash flood prone areas
Threat:
Opportunities: Suitable boulders are readily available.
Project Number:

15 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Alternative fuelwood forest
Rationale: Supplying alternative fuelwood decreases the demand for forest and food trees. Removal of these trees, especially in the upper catchment reduces the infiltration and recharge rates, thus increasing the risk of flashfloods.
Executor (rec): Jebo/Co-operatives
Material input: Seedlings
Training input:
Technical input: 5 years of PCJ research has been offered to Haiti.
Technique: Seedlings are grown in an established nursery, using preferred species and techniques developed by PCJ. These are transplanted to designated area. Co-operative members can earn the right to harvest based on purchase or sweat equity.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat: Presently the financial costs of cutting forest and food trees is only in transporting it to its destination market.
Opportunities: The mayor's office has promised land for this purpose.
Project Number: 16 A
Result Term: medium term
Priority: high
Type modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Regrassing slopes
Rationale: Replanting of slopes will increase filtration of rainwater, and increase the time lag in the response of overland flows to storm events. It is also expected that grassing slopes will help maintain soile, and prevent sedimentation (diminshed capacity) of storm drains.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material inputs: Grass seedlings or seeds. Possibly some topsoil in some places.
Training inputs:
Technical inputs:
Technique: A grass nursery will have to be developed. Topsoil may have to be sourced from elsewhere (e.g. river alluvium)
Target Zone: Bordes, Rochasse and Callasse.
Threat: Overgrazing; drought; lack of topsoil
Opportunities:
Project Number: 17 A
Result Term: short term
Priority: high
Type modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Reduced the incidence of destructive fires
Intervention: Education about fuel storage
Rationale: Fires are very likely to occur and can result in massive loss of property and life (many houses are built of wood).
Executor (rec): Volunteer fire brigade
Material inputs: OFDA training materials
Training inputs: training of trainers
Technical inputs:
Technique: A pamphlet could be developed in Creole educating people how to store fule, and the risk of fire posed by the improper storage of gasoline, pitch oil, charcoal etc.
Target Zone: Low income high density housing areas of St. Helene & Mackandal
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

18 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Project Cemetery: Gully Training
Rationale: This small gully runs from near the hospital down the south side of the cemetery. High velocity, large volume flows are creating deep erosion along the banks of this gully.
Executor (rec): Community group.
Material input: Cement, blocks, sand, labour.
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: This gully should be straightened and paved. It should be appropriately tied in with the Rue Martineau drainage system.
Target Zone: Southern side of cemetery
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

19 A
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased preparedness
Intervention: Rationalize communication of information re hurricane warning system
Rationale: Many people feel that they could have prepared better for hurricanes if they had more up to date information about the threat. Getting key information to people in good time for them to stock up on food and fuel is essential for coping with the aftermath of the hurricane.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input: Training Material input for the population in terms of what to stock in the event of a hurricane, and the difference between watch, warning and alert.
Training input: How to call a hurricane watch, warning, alert. Tracking of hurricanes based on longitudinal and latitudinal reports.
Technical input:
Technique: Linkages between international, national and regional sources of information about weather conditions must be established. The Internet or satellite link with access to international reports on hurricanes could be established. This information could be periodically given to the radio stations.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

20 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increase community resilience, and organization to allow for greater co-operation
Intervention: Relief and Response outreach training
Rationale: These areas report that they fear isolation after a disaster, because of poor access roads to their communities, as well as low levels of social capital. Development of stronger community based support organization, especially focussed on co-operation during disaster will help the situation
Executor (rec): JDMC/Red Cross (?)
Material input: Training materials
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Extension volunteers can work with the community groups suggested by this study to train them in relief and response.
Target Zone: Berquier, St. Helene, Caracoli, Rochasse, Gebeau, La Source and Bordes
Threat:
Opportunities: Training materials have been prepared already, and the Red Cross has an extension programme.
Project Number:

21 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced impacts on health after disasters
Intervention: Clean ups after disasters
Rationale: Debris after disasters both disrupt roads as well as affect environmental conditions that might allow diseases to thrive.
Executor (rec): community groups
Material input: Spades, wheel barrows, and designated disposal site
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Groups can clean up the streets and dispose of debris in designated areas. Priority: can be given to roads and blocked drains.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

22 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduce losses from collapsing cavities.
Intervention: Advise builders in the area about grouting of cavities.
Rationale: The potential losses from collapsing cavities are great (especially in terms of structural damage), but only one has collapsed in recent memory. These cavities are presently used as natural soakway pits. This probably impacts on coastal water quality.
Executor (rec): JDMC (?)
Material input: limestone rocks and cement
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Information dissemination
Target Zone:
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

23 A
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: high
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding/groundwater contamination
Intervention: Store emergency supply of chlorine for after flood event
Rationale: Piped water is not routinely treated with chlorine, and after major floods there may be a greater risk of contamination of ground water because of overflows in sewage systems.
Executor (rec): JDMC/CDMP
Material input: Chlorine
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Emergency stores of chlorine can be kept by the committee for treatment of municipal water supply after floods and hurricanes
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

24 A
Result term: short term
Priority: medium
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduce losses from coastal flooding
Intervention: Develop evacuation plan for coastal communities
Rationale: This study has identified that the low-lying coastal communities of Jeremie are at risk from coastal flooding. Without an effective evacuation plan it would be difficult to co-ordinate relocation of these vulnerable communities.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: A disaster management specialist can be asked to help the JDMC to develop of the evacuation plan.
Technique: A system of shelters on higher ground needs to be developed, as well as identification of the way in which people can be organized and evacuated quickly from these areas.
Target Zone: Cote de Fer, Mackandal, La Pointe, Base Ville, Versailles
Threat:
Opportunities: Community based organisations can become focal points for co-ordinating evacuation plans, and may be asked for inputs
Project Number:

25 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Improved co-ordination/developed community structures for relief, response and rehabilitation
Intervention: Continue development of the skills bank
Rationale: Due to institutional poverty, there is a strong dependence on volunteerism and co-operation in the event of a disaster. Having a list of people with skills that may be used will save time and reduce losses.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Use the community based groups to recruit standby volunteers who are willing to share their skills, labour, resources after a disaster. A list of contact can be developed and periodically updated.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

26 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Reduce losses from hurricanes
Intervention: Introduce improved hurricane fittings/designs for structures (straps, shutters, vents etc)
Rationale: Many of the buildings cannot cope with hurricane force winds, including the brick and steel structures. Improved designs using intermediate technologies can be introduced.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input: Documentation of intermediate technologies; training materials
Training input: Training of trainers (volunteers)
Technical input: A consultant who has worked elsewhere in the Caribbean can be asked to train the trainers.
Technique: This project is about the dissemination of information about how to build more resilient houses. The JDMC will need to get this information from outside of Haiti, and organize training in trade schools.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

27 A
Result term: long term
Priority: low
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Introduce improved flood designs for houses
Rationale: Many houses in floodprone areas like Gebeau, La Digue and Berquier have unelevated floors, hence water floods in easily. Simple changes in the design can protect property.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input: training materials
Training input:
Technical input: Consultant architect specializing in low cost flood proofing solutions
Technique: Train builders, and disseminate information about alternative housing design for floodprone region elevated foundations, stilts etc.
Target Zone: Gebeau, La Digue and Berquier
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

28 A
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Reduced losses from fires
Intervention: Programme for the establishment of a volunteer fire brigade
Rationale: One of the greatest hazards that threatens the town is fire. Yet there is no fire response capability in the town.
Executor (rec): Community group
Material input: Equipment and gear for fire-firefighting (Nb a fire truck is located in the town, but may be in need of repairs)
Training input: Basic fire-fighting training; first aid.
Technical input: All fire hydrants in the town need to be tested to ensure which ones actually work.
Technique: Donor assistance is required here to ensure that the group gets the required training, and some equipment.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat: Poor water supply
Opportunities: A volunteer group headed by Manes Michel has already positioned itself to take up this challenge
Project Number:

29 A
Result term: medium term
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased capacity for Effective disaster mitigation
Intervention: Development and Implementation of a programme for organization of street-level community units
Rationale: Many of the proposed activities can be undertaken by street level or by informal community based groups. This study shows that, besides the Church, many people do not belong to social groups. This therefore has to be fostered in order to increase the chances of success in disaster mitigation activities.
Executor (rec): Jeremie Disaster Management Committee
Material input: Training materials
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: The Jeremie Disaster Management Committee can try to establish small community groups in each of the 13 communities identified in this report. These informal groups can become focal points for training, dissemination of information, project development etc. Each group can have a chairman or representative, who might be invited to sit on the Disaster Committee
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

30 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Reduced losses from hurricanes
Intervention: Introduce better technology for building materials - brick making
Rationale: The brick-makers of Jeremie all use unwashed beach sand, as well as old fashioned techniques of making bricks. The production of stronger and more bricks will increase the overall strength of buildings, making them better able to cope with hurricanes.
Executor (rec):
Material input: Training materials
Training input: Training of trainers (trade specialists)
Technical input: Specialist in construction materials (cement and brick making).
Technique: This is best done by inviting a specialist to run a short workshop at the trade school, and to invite the masons and brick makers. The public also needs to be made aware of the dangers of using cement and bricks mixed with sodium chloride.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat: Many people presently earn a living from the sale of beach sand - they will suffer if masons and brick makers stop buying their sand
Opportunities:
Project Number:

31 A
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Improved disaster management
Intervention: Development of a post-disaster auditing form; analysis and review capacity
Rationale: The biggest problem faced in developing this plan is the lack of information on past disasters. Continuous learning from past mistakes, and developing trends will inform the planning and decision-making process. Documentation of experience can also be shared in order to help other communities (increase functionality as a pilot centre), and can also be used to seek assistance.
Executor (rec): JDMC
Material input:
Training input: A member of the committee can be trained to enter this information into a digital format, and to analyse and report on trends.
Technical input A consultant can be asked to prepare the auditing form - to collect information that is necessary for disaster management and mitigation planning.
Technique: A disaster auditing form must be developed, and a sub-committee must be responsible for data collection, management and analysis, as well as reporting. Reports can then be disseminated locally, and internationally.
Target Zone:
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

1 B
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced disruption of lifeline (road)
Intervention: Elevation of the floodprone sections of the road
Rationale:
Executor (rec): TPTC
Material input: Marl, heavy earth moving equipment
Training input:
Technical input: Some design may be necessary - expertise exists at TPTC
Technique: The level of the road can be raised by using marl.
Target Zone:
Threat:
Opportunities: This project has identified floodprone sections
Project Number:

2 B
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Alter storm water drainage designs to encourage soakaways
Rationale: This should especially be encouraged in the upper sections of stream courses.
Executor (rec): TPTC
Material input:
Training input: training of masons and contractors
Technical input: Engineering designs
Technique: This requires an environmental engineer - techniques to slow the flow of water or create temporary holding cells can enhance infiltration. Earth drains are better for enhancing infiltration than concrete drains.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

3 B
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Development control: preserve and maintain current resource levels (trees and soil)
Rationale: Maintain vegetative cover in these areas will at least prevent a shortening time lag between storm events and flash floods. Vegetative cover also serves to conserve soil resources, which if eroded would result in sedimentation of drains and diminished disposal capacity.
Executor (rec): Ministry of Planning
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: Environmental lawyer
Technique: A permitting system needs to be established for areas that are declared to be conservation zones. Persons wishing to develop or clear land in this area should apply for a permit, which can be conditional with contractual limitations.
Target Zone: Upper catchment of Mm Codo and Berquier (Caracoli-Rochasse-Callasse area)
Threat The proximity of this relatively still wooded area to the urban centre puts it at risk to deforestation from charcoal burners and woodcutters.
Opportunities:
Project Number:

4 B
Result term: long term
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced incidence and magnitude of flooding in the lower Grande Anse
Intervention: Monitor trends in watershed
Rationale: This activity builds on the output of the Rapid Watershed Assessment, and seeks to monitor the performance of programmatic recommendations within each of the watershed zones.
of programmatic recommendations within each of the watershed zones.
Executor (rec): Ministry of Agriculture
Material input
Training input
Technical input
Technique: This is done by monitoring water quality parameters in stream discharges at specific confluences in the watershed, systematically and after every storm event.
Target Zone: Although the project will be done in the watershed, benefits will also be in Plaine Gebeau-La Digue
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

5 B
Result term: short-medium term
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduce disruption of lifeline (wharf)
Intervention: Extend the wharf to allow berthing in deeper water.
Rationale: Extension of the wharf by 50 m will increase the berthing depth, reducing the risk of cargo ships running aground on the east side of the wharf.
Executor (rec): TPTC, Maritime agency
Material input: Construction materials (cement, stone, labour)
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Extension of the wharf is seen as a cost effective alternative to dredging the channel.
Target Zone: wharf
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

6 B
Result term: medium term
Priority: medium
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced impacts on health after disasters
Intervention: Disposal of dead animals after disasters
Rationale: This is one of the greatest health risks after a disaster.
Executor (rec): Community groups
Material input: Designated place. Wheel barrows
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: Community groups can organize the disposal of dead animals after disasters. These animals can be burnt in a designated place.
Target Zone:
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

7 B
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduce possibility of shoreline erosion near Versailles
Intervention: Control beach sand mining
Rationale: Revetments have been placed along this area to protect the shoreline which runs very close to the main road (Rue Stenio Vincent). Reducing the mining of beach sand is also important in that bricks and cement mixed with the sand may not be strong enough to withstand hurricane force winds, even in combination with steel (salt crystallization leads to cracking of the structure).
Executor (rec): Ministry of the Environment
Material input:
Training input: Volunteers trained in Rapid Rural Assessment
Technical input: environmental lawyer to advice on regulations
Technique: Committee volunteers can undertake to determine the numbers of people involved, linkages and the value of revenue earned from mining, in order to devise appropriate management strategies. Miners need to be regulated - and encouraged to use sand from the river banks rather than the beach. River sand mining has problems, and may also affect the supply of sediment to the shoreline, but river sand may more safely be used in the construction industry.
Target Zone: sand miners between the river mouth and Versailles.
Threat: lack of enforcement
Opportunities:
Project Number:

8 B
Result term: long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Increase awareness of why disasters are worsening
Intervention: Development of training materials
Rationale: The survey indicated that people do understand the systemic nature of interactions between man and environment, and environmental degradation and the magnitude and frequency of disasters.
Executor (rec): Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Environment
Material input: Curriculum development
Training input:
Technical input: Haitian expertise on watershed management, hydrology, geography etc.
Technique: Courses can be developed and taught at all levels (from the most basic to secondary schools) stressing the interactions between man and environment, and environmental degradation and the magnitude and frequency of disasters
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities: Trained specialists can be found in these Ministries.
Project Number:

9 B
Result term: medium term
Priority: medium
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased Capacity for co-ordination between critical facilities
Intervention: Lobby for installation of telephones in key facilities/individuals or ensure a high priority for these
Rationale: Many of the facilities considered critical do not have telephones. Lack of means of communication during a disaster is one of the major factors that can work against effective co-ordination.
Executor (rec): The Jeremie Disaster Committee
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: The JDMC can prioritize the critical facilities named in the inventory, and establish which ones need telephones. This list can then be submitted to TELECO with a letter explaining why these institutions should be given a high Priority: in the expansion of telephone services. The JDMC needs to continue following up on the situation, as more lines are expected to become available before 2000.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

10 B
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: reduced losses at sea
Intervention: Construct groynes or sediment traps
Rationale: Sediment traps will reduce buildup in the channel and in the bay east of the wharf, making it less likely for ships to run aground. It should allow for large ships to continue to berth at the wharf. Authorities cannot afford dredging at present.
Executor (rec): TPTC
Material input: limestone riprap; transportation of rocks
Training input:
Technical input: siting and design of groynes
Technique: Construct groynes comprised of limestone boulders perpendicular to shoreline.
Target Zone: Bay west of river.
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

11 B
Result term: long term
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Land use control/zonation
Rationale: Uncontrolled development in these areas will ultimately increase the amount of surface run-offs, and therefore the risk of flash flooding in the low lying areas of the town. Land use controls and zonation of the surrounding areas can help.
Executor (rec): Ministry of Planning
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: Consultant to help the town develop a zonation plan.
Technique: A land-use map has been attempted for the town (UNCHS study). However, a more detailed document outlining the planning zones for the town needs to be developed. This document should outline how the town is growing, and what are its physical limitations (including hazard and vulnerability information), as well as recommendations for the type of land use that is permissible in each area.
Target Zone: Upper catchment of Madam Codo: Rochasse, Callasse area.
Threat: Lack of enforcement.
Opportunities:
Project Number:

12 B
Result term: long term
Priority: low
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding/groundwater contamination
Intervention: Introduce USAID VIP toilet design/demo
Rationale: This is a dry sewage disposal system that is aerated with two chambers. It has been developed and tried in Jamaica by the DEMO project (USAID). Introduction of this technology could prevent problems of ground water contamination.
Executor (rec): Ministry of Environment
Material input: materials for construction of the demonstration unit as well. Training materials.
Training input: Training of a small group of trainers.
Technical input: DEMO project details, and sanitation engineer who is familiar with the system
Technique: The design for the VIP toilet can be used to develop a demonstration unit, which can be erected at a trade school. Builders, carpenters and plumbers can be taught the method. A publicity campaign can be undertaken to publicize the method more widely.
Target Zone: The town, and upper catchment areas.
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

1 C
Result term: immediate
Priority: medium
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduced losses at sea
Intervention: Weather station at the wharf
Rationale: This will enable monitoring of local weather conditions at the wharf, and allow better advice to be given to boats leaving the wharf at Jeremie. At present information about weather comes from Port au Prince only.
Executor (rec): Maritime Authority
Material input: Small weather station with barometer, anemometer and rain gauge.
Training input: train to interpret the data
Technical input:
Technique: This requires a donation of a weather station. Automated ones require electricity, and therefore a generator. The station can be set up near the wharf.
Target Zone:
Threat: Many ships lack radio equipment.
Opportunities: The Maritime Director has radio equipment.
Project Number:

2 C
Result term: long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Improved watershed management in the Grande Anse.
Intervention: Rapid Watershed Assessment: Management units and recommendations
Rationale: Improved capacity for watershed management will affect (a) sediment yields from the catchment (b) flood magnitude (c) drought magnitude (e) river bank erosion. The RWA is designed to output a sensitivity zonation system that could inform the development control system, and allow for better monitoring of the success of watershed management responses.
Executor (rec):
Material input: aerial photographs of the watershed.
Training input: rapid rural assessment for survey team.
Technical input: environmental geologist & ecologist
Technique: Remote sensing; surveys; ground transects
Target Zone: Although the project will be done in the watershed, benefits will also be in Plaine Gebeau-La Digue
Threat: Lack of a development control system
Opportunities:
Project Number:

3 C
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Increased capacity for Effective Disaster Mitigation
Intervention: Train committee in decision analysis and co-ordination (institutional strengthening)
Rationale: The Jeremie Disaster Management committee requires some basic training in decision analysis especially as they will be guiding smaller organisations. They are also expected to be responsible for resource allocation etc.
Executor (rec): Donor Agency (?)
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: Consultant with expertise in decision- analysis, and leadership.
Technique: A consultant can be invited to run a 5-day workshop for the committee, to deal with issues of decision-making, resource allocation, and leadership. The ability to organize effective community-based groups in each of the 13 areas, or at the street level is key to the successful implementation of this mitigation and vulnerability reduction programme.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

4 C
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced losses from flooding
Intervention: Project Rue Martineau: redesign of main storm water drain
Rationale: The low level of the land and city layour prevent expansion of the storm drain by either deepening or widening. This is central to the town, with many public buildings and shops. It becomes impassable frequently, and has been known to cause drowning. Inadequate discharge capacity near the wharf results in backing up of water along Rue Stenio Vincent (the main business street).
Executor (rec): TPTC
Material input: Material input for road surface and paving sub-street drain. Labour and equipment.
Training input:
Technical input: Engineering design for drain & new road
Technique: The existing road should be cut down to the level of the existing drains, and an new cambered road surface be constructed over this. This would significantly increase the town's storm water disposal capacity. The street between the discharge point of Madam Codo and the intersection with Rue Stenio Vincent is approximately 220m.
Target Zone: Rue Martineau
Threat: The flooding/flash flooding problem is likely to increase as development in the Rochasse-Callasse areas
Opportunities:
Project Number:

5 C
Result term: immediate
Priority: high
Type: modify exposure
Program Result: Reduce losses from consumption of contaminated water.
Intervention: Increased number of standpipes in Gebeau and La Digue
Rationale: Gebeau and La Digue both are at greatest risk for poor access to safe water, health care and diseases related to poor water quality.
Executor (rec): Donor Agency (?)
Material input: for tank: construction materials for standpipe extension pipes
Training input:
Technical input:
Technique: The municipal water supplier (SNEP) if unable to extend services of safe water to these communities. Standpipes, or the construction of a large rainfed water tank may alleviate problems caused by consumption of contaminated surface waters.
Target Zone: Gebeau and La Digue
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

6 C
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: high
Type: modify coping mechanism
Program Result: Reduce losses due to flooding in Jeremie
Intervention: Engineering Design and Plan for rationalisation of storm water design
Rationale: The strategies provided by this report do not form a cohesive plan to allow the town to cope with increasing levels of storm water, but merely to help ease the present situation. A more comprehensive plan is required for the town.
Executor (rec): TPTC
Material input: Once the plan has been developed funding will have to be sought for implentation.
Training input:
Technical input: Consulting engineer; surveyor
Technique: More details are provided in the appended proposal.
Target Zone: Jeremie
Threat:
Opportunities:
Project Number:

7 C
Result term: medium-long term
Priority: medium
Type: modify physical event
Program Result: Reduced rate of sedimentation in the shipping channel.
Intervention: Plan for riverbank stabilisation between Marfranc and La Saline
Rationale: Aside from the primary objective of sedimentation reduction, stabilisation of the river bank will also achieve (a) vulnerability reduction of riverside communities (b) protection of the main road between Dame Marie and Jeremie. This is an important lifeline for Jeremie, and Haiti in general as much of the food and firewood/charcoal produced in this region is required by Jeremie and Port au Prince.
Executor (rec):
Material input:
Training input:
Technical input: environmental geologist/geomorphologist and environmental engineer.
Technique: Floodplain mapping of the segment of the Grande Anse between Marfranc and La Saline, with an aim to identify points of erosion and deposition. This will enable recommendations to made with respect to river training and stabilisation strategies. It has been suggested that bamboo be used to stabilise the banks. See appended proposal.
Target Zone: Course of the Grande Anse below Marfranc
Threat:
Opportunities:

Additional Projects

Increasing the Storm Water Disposal Capacity

Flooding was identified as one of the major hazards affecting Jeremie, and results mainly from high volumes of overland flow. The existing drainage infrastructure is presently inadequate to accommodate the increasing levels of overland flow, resulting in flooding. The situation is likely to become worse unless steps are taken to provide adequate disposal for storm water discharges. Additionally, the potential for flash flooding is great. Flash flooding refers to the response of overland flow systems (including channels) to particular rainfall events: in the case of a flashy response, there will be rising stage (water levels) within a short period after the event. As land use patterns in the town result in the creation of less permeable surfaces in the catchments of Madam Codo/Berquier, the flashiness of the response will increase (i.e. the time lag will decrease), and there will be greater volumes of overland flows for smaller storms.

There are several sections of the town of Jeremie that have been mapped as floodprone. These include:

Flooding affects roads primarily, causing major disruptions in people's ability to travel to work, markets, and school. Several small-scale projects have been identified in the Hazard Mitigation and Vulnerability Reduction Plan; these projects address the most immediate flooding problems but do not look at the more general problem of storm water disposal capacity in the town as a whole. It is likely that the flooding problems in the town will increase dramatically as development continues in the higher elevations.

This proposal recommends that the town of Jeremie be assisted in developing a more comprehensive storm water disposal plan, which when implemented, will result in increased storm water disposal capacity.

The Consultants should undertake to:

  1. determine the necessary engineering design parameters to expand storm water disposal capacity (including surveys);
  2. design a programme that rationalises and expands the city's storm water disposal capacity, so that it is consistent with expected run-offs, including proposals for new civil works, as well as maintenance and expansion of existing drains and structures;
  3. prioritise aspects the design so that the programme can be implemented on a phased basis; and
  4. assess the feasibility of the proposed urban drainage rationalisation programme, including financial estimates.

The main deliverable from this project should be a set of engineering designs laying out a proposed modernisation plan for storm water disposal in Jeremie, as well as an implementation schedule. A detailed costing of materials and implementation costs should also be submitted.

The level of effort for an environmental engineer on this project is estimated at ~60 days. The final cost will depend on the professional rate.

Rapid Watershed Assessment & Zonation

The Grande Anse region of Haiti's southwest peninsula is one of the last reasonably well-wooded areas in the country. Unfortunately, the pressure on this area's natural resources is increasing rapidly, curtailed only by the fact that Jeremie and Dame Marie (the two main towns) are still relatively remote with poor road access. UNCHS (1997) reported intense deforestation in the catchment of the Grande Anse, as with other areas in the southwest of the island. Woodcutting is prevalent, and is increasing to meet the growing demands for fuel wood and construction lumber. There is also some hillslope clearing for farming, although the floodplain seems to be preferred for cultivation. Continued watershed degradation in the Grande Anse catchment results in high rates of sedimentation in the Bay of the Grande Anse as well as an increased propensity for flash-flooding lower in the catchment between Marfranc (~15 km inland from the mouth of the river) and the sea. Watershed conservation and rehabilitation will reduce the flood hazard in this area significantly.

CARE has been doing considerable conservation work with small farmers in parts of the watershed through the USAID funded project entitled PLUS. However, environmental planners and conservation workers are handicapped by lack of essential planning tools such as maps of the watershed showing sub-basin boundaries in relation to land use, vegetative coverage, and physical parameters such as rainfall, slope, and earth materials.

It is proposed that the following tasks be undertaken:

  1. An assessment of the spatial variations in watershed sensitivity, examining the watershed status in terms of vegetative cover (degree of deforestation), population density, erosion, slope stability and mass wasting, erodeability of earth materials (geology and soils), and stream density. Morphometric characteristics of the watershed should also be determined (total area, area of each sub-basin etc.)
  2. The development of watershed sensitivity map that can be used to regulate land-use in the watershed.
  3. Development of recommendations and zoning regulations that will reduce sediment yields of the Grande Anse, increase aquifer recharge and thus reduce the propensity for flash flooding and droughts.

The main deliverable from this project is a watershed sensitivity zonation map that can be used to regulate watershed development. Community groups, environmental NGOs, and government agencies would be able to use this map:

The rapid watershed assessment will use participatory learning techniques and will focus heavily on the training of community based stakeholders to continue the work of watershed management. We propose that the watershed is sub-divided into sub-catchments, and then a system of grid cells is overlain. Each of the following categories will have a simple scale system (1-10), which classifies various intensities (1 being the best case)

Additionally, population density, road networks market towns and land uses can be determined.

Each cell is scored for each of the above categories, and scores summed, and the average per cell calculated. A chloropleth map can then be developed, with the more sensitive zones achieving the higher scores. The following zones are proposed, with appropriate development control guidelines

The main output will be the watershed zonation map, and report discussing the rapid assessment methodologies, findings, and recommendations for watershed rehabilitation and conservation. The final report on the watershed assessment should also include a long-term watershed monitoring plan.

It is expected that this project will require 30 person days by the project manager/principal scientist and an additional 10 person days from a social scientist. The final cost will depend on the professional rate contracted.

Riverbank Stabilization

It is proposed that a study be undertaken to determine how the Grande Anse between Marfranc and La Saline can be trained in order to:

  1. Reduce the riverbank erosion, and therefore sedimentation in the Bay of the Grande Anse. Rapid rates of sedimentation in the Bay results in the increased likely that boats will run aground near the wharf in Jeremie, or that only small boats will be able to berth.
  2. Reduce the vulnerability of riverside communities to flooding (28th December 1997 – 3-days of rainfall produced major flooding and 12 people died in Marfranc).
  3. Protect the main road between Dame Marie and Jeremie. This is an important lifeline for Jeremie, and Haiti in general as much of the food and firewood/charcoal produced in this region is required by Jeremie and Port au Prince. This road is a critical lifeline both for Jeremie, Dame Marie and the hinterland communities.

The study will undertake to:

  1. Map the floodplain of the Grande Anse between Marfranc and La Saline, clearing indicating sites of significant riverbank erosion; a combination of field mapping, surveying and aerial photo analysis (if available) will be used for the floodplain mapping. Points of active erosion and deposition should be identified, with the aim of identifying recommendations for river training. Landuses along this stretch of the river should also be mapped in order to determine the vulnerability of specific communities and infrastructure.
  2. Determine the design parameters required for designing appropriate structural controls on riverbanks (e.g. 100-year flood levels).
  3. Draft designs for appropriate structures and river training works (floodwalls, gabions etc) at the most critical localities along the banks; stabilisation of the banks using bamboo should be explored.
  4. Assess potential environmental negative impacts of the proposed structural works, and mitigation as necessary;
  5. Outline procedure for construction, materials (stone etc.) and labour requirements for proposed works.

The consultants should undertake to work closely with an NGO or Haitian government department (e.g. TPTC/Works, Ministry of Agriculture or Environment) in preparation of the project documentation, such that they are guided by the needs, values, and priorities of the affected stakeholders.

The outputs will include a floodplain map and river training engineering designs. These could be used to implement river training in order to achieve the objectives stated above.

It is estimated that this would take approximately 30 person days from an environmental geologist/geomorphologist, plus another 30 days from an environmental engineer. The final cost will depend on the professional rate contracted.