The Inter-American Development (IDB) will provide Haiti’s government financial aid to start recovering from damage caused by the rains and floods triggered by the passage of Sandy.

Haitian authorities met with IDB officials last week in Port-au-Prince and agreed to focus the assistance on rebuilding transport infrastructure, revitalizing agriculture and reinforcing river banks to mitigate flooding.

To this end, the IDB expects to approve a $17,5 million grant before year-end to help the government finance the reconstruction of roads and bridges washed away by last month’s flooding and mudslides, particularly in southern Haiti.

Resources from existing IDB-financed agriculture projects will be redirected to support government efforts to assist rural communities in the worst-hit areas. Authorities are currently assessing the needs for replanting lost crops and other urgent tasks. The government will also prioritize public works to reduce erosion and flooding in key watersheds.

In addition, the IDB and the Haitian government reached agreements on new financing for 2013. The IDB expects to provide up to $200 million in grants for budget support and investment projects in agriculture, education, energy, transportation, water and sanitation and private sector development.

HL/ HaitiLibre