On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as part of the fight against the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Valéry Fils-Aimé, Minister of the Environment, launched the second phase of measures adopted by the Government regarding the sand quarries in Pèlerin, Laboule, Boutillier, and Kenscoff at Laboule 12.

Accompanied by the Delegate and Deputy Delegate of the West Department, the Director General of the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP), the Mayor of Kenscoff, the Deputy Mayors of Pétion-Ville, the Police Commissioner of Pétion-Ville, the CASEC of the area, as well as the Departmental Director of the West (DDO), the Director of Environmental Inspection and Surveillance (DISE) and officials from the National Bureau of Environmental Evaluation (BNÉE); the Minister of the Environment reaffirmed the Government's determination to put an end to practices that contribute to the accelerated degradation of watersheds, the aggravation of the risks of natural disasters and the weakening of communities living in the areas concerned. On this occasion, the following decisions were announced:

Temporary ban on access for sand transport trucks :

Effective June 16, 2026, and for an initial period of thirty (30) days, access for trucks transporting sand to the areas of Pèlerin, Laboule, Boutillier, and Kenscoff is strictly prohibited. This measure aims to stop the pressure exerted on these fragile areas and to allow the competent authorities to carry out the necessary technical assessments. A joint monitoring system will be deployed at the entrance to Laboule 12 by the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP), through the BSAP (Bureau of Protected Areas), the Directorate of Environmental Inspection and Monitoring (DISE), and the West Departmental Directorate of the Environment, with support from the Haitian National Police (PNH), the municipalities of Pétion-Ville and Kenscoff, the relevant CASECs (Community Action Committees), and the West Departmental Delegation.

National mapping of affected extraction sites: The Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) will conduct a comprehensive mapping of extraction sites to identify their location, level of exploitation, and compliance with applicable legal provisions.

Environmental Assessment and Determination of Corrective Measures :

The National Bureau of Environmental Assessment (BNÉE) will conduct a thorough assessment of the environmental and social impacts related to the mining activities observed in the area. Based on the technical findings, the Ministry of the Environment will take the necessary decisions, including the permanent closure of sites whose activities pose a threat to the environment, public safety, or the public interest. Protecting mountains, watersheds, and natural resources is a national imperative. The State intends to fully assume its responsibilities in order to preserve this strategic heritage and reduce the country's vulnerability to natural hazards.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47623-suspension-of-sand-quarrying-activities-in-pelerin-laboule-and-boutillier-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47470-regarding-quarry-operations-in-haiti-the-ministry-requests-assistance-from-the-pnh-and-the-fad-h.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-47135-icihaiti-environment-resurgence-of-illegal-sand-quarrying.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46414-haiti-environment-illegal-exploitation-of-the-laboule-quarries.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34511-haiti-notice-suspension-of-sand-quarry-exploitation-activities.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/article-31470-icihaiti-environment-closure-of-the-illegal-quarry-hole.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31470-icihaiti-environment-closure-of-the-trou-forban-quarry.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22399-haiti-environment-89-of-quarries-are-illegal-in-the-west.html

HL/ HaitiLibre