July 7, 2023
The World Bank Board of Directors on Wednesday approved additional financing of US$12 million for the Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project. This new grant aims to cover additional costs related to recently identified repairs at Cap-Haitien International Airport. These funds will strengthen the country’s aviation sector and ensure that the Cap-Haitien airport continues to meet international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“Air connectivity remains critical to Haiti’s economy and its ability to respond to emergencies, particularly given its insularity, weak ground transportation infrastructure, and persistent insecurity on major routes,” said Laurent Msellati, head of operations for the World Bank in Haiti. “With this additional funding, the World Bank is ensuring that Cap-Haitien International Airport guarantees safe, resilient and reliable travel for passengers to and from the northern region of the country. It will have a direct impact on inclusive growth, but will also strengthen opportunities for access to education, employment, healthcare and trade while supporting adaptation to climate change and mitigating its impacts. »
Cap-Haitien remains a strategic entry point to the northern region of the country, contributing to both connectivity and territorial continuity. However, this ability to operate even during times of security crises and natural disasters – providing essential connectivity for emergency and humanitarian activities – is increasingly under threat, due to the continued deterioration of airport infrastructure, not sufficiently maintained.
The additional funding of US$ 12 million from the Caribbean Regional Air Transport Connectivity Project will focus on the rehabilitation of the runway at Cap-Haitien International Airport. It will also strengthen the international airport’s drainage system through major infrastructure works to improve stormwater runoff, based on climate change projections, including a large share of climate-based solutions. nature.
The original projectwas approved in May 2020 with an $84 million grant from the International Development Association with the aim of improving the operational safety and efficiency of air transport navigation on Haitian territory and increasing the climate and disaster resilience of Haiti’s related infrastructure at the international level.