A Haitian Perspective

As a Haitian who grew up during these challenges, I can attest to the devastating impact of poverty, violence, and corruption daily. My own experiences of witnessing gang violence and living in fear of attacks have left me traumatized. The country's struggles with corruption, gang violence, and natural disasters have made it impossible for many to live a safe and dignified life.

Challenges and Solutions

The biggest challenge faced during the recovery period was having enough water, food, and medicine for the community. The repercussions of these problems are evident: without a shift toward Haitian-led solutions, the country risks continued dependency on foreign aid and vulnerability to future disasters. The lack of investment in local infrastructure, education, and power systems hinders long-term recovery. Inefficient aid distribution and lack of reliable data also hinder rebuilding efforts.

Discuss construction...

Earthquake-Resistant Construction Techniques:

- *TECLA Model: Habitat for Humanity Haiti has developed the TECLA model, which uses improved local construction techniques to build earthquake-resistant houses. These houses are designed to withstand seismic activity and are adapted to the local culture and geography.

Confined Masonry: This technique involves building walls with reinforced concrete frames, which helps to prevent collapse during earthquakes. It's a cost-effective and widely accepted method for construction in high-seismic-risk areas.

- *Retrofitting: Researchers have identified several retrofitting methods to strengthen existing buildings, including

    -Reinforced-Concrete Jacketing: Adding reinforced concrete around existing columns to strengthen them.

    - Steel Braces: Rigid frames that help buildings absorb seismic forces.

    - Buckling-Restrained Braces (BRBs): Specially designed braces that flex without breaking.

    - Prestressed High-Strength Steel Cables: Tensioned cables that reinforce structures.