Project To Clean Port-Au-Prince Canals

WASHINGTON -- More than 150,000 people in Haiti's most impoverished slum will benefit from a massive drainage canal clean-up project thanks to a donation by the Caterpillar Foundation, the Pan American Development Foundation has announced. 

Nearly 1,200 residents of the Port-au-Prince slum of Cite Soleil will be hired to clean 50 percent of the canals that are choked with trash and earthquake rubble through a $500,000 grant from the Caterpillar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.

"This generous donation by the Caterpillar Foundation will play a significant role in putting Haitians to work and improving their neighborhoods," says John Sanbrailo, PADF's executive director. "Seven months after the devastating 7.0 earthquake, Haitians still need help to rebuild their country."

In addition to earthquake recovery, clearing the 18 kilometers of drainage canals will be crucial in preventing floods that plague the area. Forecasters are predicting that the current hurricane season may be one of the worst in years. Two years ago, more than 800 Haitians throughout the country died when four back-to-back tropical storms and hurricanes struck the island.

"We are confident that this ambitious project will lay the groundwork for future infrastructure rebuilding projects and improve the overall living conditions for Haitians in and around the poorest area of Port-au-Prince," said Jim Parker, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for Americas Distribution and PADF Board Member.

PADF—a nonprofit and non-governmental organization—was a first responder after the Jan. 12 earthquake, which killed an estimated 230,000 people. During the first six months after the earthquake, PADF and its partners benefited more than 1.4 million people with food, clothing, shelter, medical care, employment and more. PADF has worked in Haiti for nearly 30 years on disaster relief, economic development and enhancing civil society.

During the implementation of the three-month Caterpillar Foundation-funded project, PADF will use its proven strategy of working with both community leaders and the Haitian government to obtain maximum results.

"By collaborating with all stakeholders, the project will not only clean up the clogged canals and improve neighborhoods, it also strengthens community organizations and the Haitian government," says Sanbrailo. "It's a winning combination for Haiti."

In all of its work throughout the Western Hemisphere, PADF looks for opportunities to bring in the private sector in development and relief efforts.

About PADF

PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, it had more than 5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries.

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights

PADF is based in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia and elsewhere. During the past year, its programs benefited more than 5.6 million people in 18 countries.