Transforming Lives in the Neighborhood of Alfred Tapis Rouge in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Transforming Lives in the Neighborhood of Alfred Tapis Rouge in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Alfred Tapis Rouge corridor before and after.
Of all the 25 districts of Carrefour Feuilles, Alfred Tapis Rouge is among the most vulnerable. Until recently, it served as a camp for those who lost their homes in the 2010 earthquake. The area lacks basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity and potable water. But with the support of the LAMIKA Program (Lavi Miyo Nan Katye Pam or A Better Life in My Neighborhood), Global Communities and residents are working together to transform this area and help create planned infrastructure in this anarchic urban zone.
Under the LAMIKA Program, Global Communities is building the Alfred Tapis Rouge corridor – a network of pedestrian pathways and retaining walls, lighted by a dozen solar lamps – all aimed at improving the quality of life in the neighborhood. Global Communities also rehabilitated the Guyteau, Cavalo, David and Legrand II corridors under the LAMIKA Program. Together, these corridors provide improved access to neighboring zones, and serve as an evacuation route in the case of a natural disaster. Global Communities has dug and found water 300 feet underground, providing hope for residents that, for the first time in their lives, they will not have to walk more than half a mile to carry water to their homes every day.
These projects also provide economic benefits to residents. Global Communities’ partner Build Change is providing vocational training in masonry skills to local residents like Jose Louis Paul, a 53 year old carpenter and father of two. He has lived in this neighborhood for 30 years, and suffered a devastating shock when his house collapsed in the 2010 earthquake.
He was one of many residents who acquired masonry skills that allowed him to work for a large contractor on one of the Carrefour Feuilles’ corridor reconstruction projects. He was able to reinforce his skills and is hopeful that one day, he will be able improve upon the construction of his own house.
“This project changed many lives in the community,” says Jose Louis Paul. “In addition to improving the physical structures of our neighborhood, the project creates economic opportunities for professionals in the zone. I earn 700 gourdes ($14 USD per day), which allows me to support myself and my family.”
Benoit Jean Wilfrid, president of Plateforme des Organisations Pour le Développement de  l’Habitation (PODHA), said that prior to the construction, the corridors were shabby, narrow, and muddy. At the slightest downpour, mud would pile up and the path became slippery, causing many residents to fall and suffer broken legs. Today, residents are safer and have a new dignity in their neighborhood.
“With the construction of the Tapis Alfred corridor, the community has taken a positive step in the right direction,” Wilfrid said. “This community is very grateful to American Red Cross, Global Communities and Build Change for all of these improvements.”