news release
Port-au-Prince, Brussels, December 21, 2023- Cities Alliance introduces Haiti's Ansanm Ann Chanje Lavil (Together Let’s Change the City) programme (LAVIL) to boost municipal service delivery and local development. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the program begins in partnership with Cap-Haïtien and Les Cayes municipalities, with potential expansion to others.
Amid escalating economic, social, and political challenges, Haitian local governments struggle to provide vital services to their citizens. “LAVIL provides hope and opportunity for Haitians to thrive due to the strengthened capacity of municipalities to improve lives and create sustainable conditions for all people,” says Eric Stromayer, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Haiti.
LAVIL works through dialogue with municipalities and civil society, partnering with Fondazione AVSI (Association of Volunteers for International Service) Haiti, Habitat for Humanity Haiti, Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, and the Institut de Formation et de Services.
The LAVIL project will support selected local governments to provide better services to their constituents and to create municipal management models for economic growth and social development.
Maram Talaat, USAID/Haiti’s Acting Mission Director
Public markets, a key priority
Management and infrastructure improvements are expected to stimulate livelihoods, job creation, and municipal revenues. “In Cap-Haïtien, one of our major challenges is to increase tax revenues to fund local needs, which amount to 1.5 billion gourdes for nearly 200 actions in the Communal Development Plan. We anticipate substantial support from LAVIL for this essential fiscal mobilisation,” affirms Nelson Deshommes, communications director for the Cap-Haitien municipal government.
A comprehensive waste management system will also be a vital program component. Efficient waste management safeguards the environment and public health, and plays a central role in ocean preservation, protecting marine life and supporting the growth of blue economy sectors.
LAVIL adopts a flexible approach to prioritize local needs and solutions. "LAVIL is a significant step towards Haiti’s sustainable urban development. Cities Alliance and its partners are committed to building resilience and empowering communities from within" says Laura Lima, Head of Global Programmes at Cities Alliance.
The LAVIL program brings hope to Les Cayes municipality, addressing local revenue and urban planning challenges.
Claire Daphné France, mayor of Les Cayes, Haiti.
“Collaborating closely with authorities, we expect the program to revive the local economy by enhancing municipal services. Its potential expansion to other cities offers a unique opportunity to replicate success and create lasting nationwide impact.”, says the mayor.
Read this news release in French.
