Help Mountain Community Prep for Disasters

Bonswa GlobalGiving Family,

For 23 years, the makeshift road connecting our mountainside community and the town center of Petit-Goâve has been a dangerous and unreliable pathway. This road, composed of dirt and large boulders, posed significant risks to the over 1,200 families in our Mountainside Partner Community and neighboring communities. It was their only route to access essential services like local markets for conducting business and seeking medical care at the hospital. Additionally, the road was highly susceptible to mudslides during torrential downpours and hurricanes, leading to severe land devastation that negatively impacted agricultural production in these farming communities.

The Challenge: Unsafe Road Conditions

At a recent community meeting, the leader of our Mountainside Partner Community’s Peasant Association, APHD, captured the gravity of the situation:

“The inhabitants of the twelfth section of Fourques, particularly in localities like Marché Jean Ciseau, Marre Danjour, Piton Vallue, Clairin, Marché Roche Galata, and Marché Depalis, are facing enormous difficulties due to the lack of proper road infrastructure. This deficiency has restricted access to essential services such as health care and education. The poor state of the road has made it difficult to transport agricultural products to market, leading to economic hardship. During rainy periods, the road becomes impassable, causing frequent traffic accidents. Pregnant women, disabled individuals, schoolchildren, and farmers all struggle with mobility due to the road's condition, exacerbating the isolation of our community. The journey to Petit-Goâve remains a daunting task, with certain areas still inaccessible by motorcycle.”

Our Vision: Development With Dignity Leads To A Safer, Thriving Community

For over 14 years, our collective goal has been to create a safer road that not only facilitates travel for our Mountainside Partner Community and neighboring areas but also serves as a catalyst for economic development. Improving the road infrastructure is key to unlocking the potential of these communities, enabling them to thrive and grow.

Progress: Breaking Ground and Building Hope

In our November 2022 report, we shared that our Mountainside Partner Community had begun working on the road, breaking up the treacherous land and rock formations that made the terrain unsafe for cars or motorcycles.

At the beginning of 2024, the APHD Peasant Association initiated Phase 1 of the road construction: 150 linear meters of concrete strip road with essential drainage works. This crucial development will:

• Connect Mountain Communities to Local Markets: Improving access will allow farmers to sell their agricultural products more efficiently, boosting local economies.
• Generate Income for Farmers: A safer and more accessible road will increase sales opportunities and income for farmers.
• Ensure Safe Passage for Vehicles: The new road will allow cars and motorcycles to traverse the mountain safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Enhance Road Drainage: Effective drainage will prevent future mudslides and maintain the road's condition during heavy rains.
• Promote Community Development: The road will serve as a foundation for sustainable development projects in the area.
• Improve Living Conditions: Better access to markets, healthcare, and education will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Infrastructure/Economic Development Initiative is not just about building a road; it's about building a future for our mountainside and neighboring communities, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive.