Dame-Marie (Department of Grand'Anse) was one of the communes most affected by the passage of Hurricane Mathieu of Category 4 in October 2016. The Risk Reduction Plan, identifying the most vulnerable areas allowed the evacuation of the resident population "We could have recorded many more deaths without the training sessions that allowed us to raise awareness," said Gilbert Jean, the Mayor of the commune.

Gilbert Jean is pleased with the map of the zones at risk that his municipality now has. "As much as it is important to have houses that meet earthquake and para-cyclone standards, it is important to have a plan that gives instructions on building, protecting the environment and exploiting the riches of the environment," said the mayor, who now wants to better manage the issue of housing.

The Mayor also promises to follow the recommendations of the Post-Matthew Recovery Plan which identifies the needs for the municipality and the areas conducive to urbanization. "Under this plan, the Dame-Marie Municipal Council will make arrangements for ensure that all owners have access to the plan so that the municipal engineering department can issue building permits according to the guidelines of the Risk Reduction Plan.

Recognizing that the site is immense, the Mayor remains nevertheless optimistic "We must think that with the will to change our ways of living, especially our methods of construction, we will arrive at this much desired recovery."

One year after Matthew, he is convinced "that it only remains to find the funding with the donors to relocate the people who reside in zones at risk". According to the Mayor, "the finding of increased vulnerability in Haiti requires a comprehensive strategy to reduce natural hazards, a genuine integrated risk management policy to ensure the security of the population, assets and the sustainability of reconstruction investments."

HL/ HaitiLibre