The Ministry of the Environment (MdE) reports that, following numerous complaints from local residents and findings from several field missions conducted in Pèlerin, Laboule, and Boutillier, in the municipality of Pétion-ville, a concerning deterioration of the environmental and geological situation has been observed in these particularly vulnerable areas.

Technical assessments carried out by the West Departmental Directorate, the Directorate of Environmental Inspection and Monitoring (DISE), and the National Bureau of Environmental Assessment (BNEE) have revealed major risks linked to the unregulated and illegal operation of sand quarries, including slope instability, accelerated erosion, and the risk of landslides and rockfalls that could directly threaten local residents and nearby infrastructure.

The Ministry reiterates that these areas were already subject to prohibitions and restrictions on their operation, notably in 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2025, due to their significant geological and environmental vulnerability. These provisions remain fully in force and are mandatory.

The Ministry also clarifies that Article 36.5 of the amended 1987 Constitution stipulates that mines and quarries are part of the State's public domain and that private property rights do not extend to them.

Furthermore, quarry operations remain subject to environmental protection standards, particularly those set forth in Article 253 of the Constitution and Article 64.8 of the 2006 Framework Decree on Environmental Management and Citizen Conduct.

Consequently, in accordance with its mission to protect the environment and applicable legal provisions, the Ministry of the Environment orders the immediate suspension, until further notice, of all sand quarrying activities in Pèlerin, Laboule, and Boutillier.

HL/ HaitiLibre