Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[tariqali77]

I am going to be posted in Haiti (port a prince) in a humanitarian mission. i will be there initially for six months and evaluate the situation. i have been told that in six months time the services level will improve then i can move my family with me and can continue untill the project conclusion which will be in five years time.

Can some body guide me on the following questions:

- what is the level of services of housing, food, health, education (international), transport, road conditions, streets conditions, general supplies etc. at the moment and what are the prospects in coming year?
- how is the climate in terms of weather, hyegien, cleaning and pollution?
- what is the security situation in streets?
- is there any thing in particulare i should not forget to put in my luggage before travelling to haiti?

i appreciate your advice and support

tariq

[corinneconley]

I spent some time at the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti... far from the capital so not everything I saw applies. What I saw of Haiti was a lot of poverty. The weather was really pleasant in springtime. We slept with mosquito nets, which I assume would be recommended in Haiti as well. Thats all I have for now!

[parryander]

- what is the level of services of housing, food, health, education (international), transport, road conditions, streets conditions, general supplies etc. at the moment and what are the prospects in coming year?
Housing is at a premium right now, as you can imagine. Safe housing is going to be a real question mark. Many buildings may not have fallen, but have poor quality materials and may be waiting for another shake or two. A decent place to stay will be expensive and possibly not convenient. Food is fine as long as you can afford it. You will likely need a cook, just make sure they use treated water. Health - get all the shots, be prepared for minor infections, etc. You may be exposed, depending on your line of work to folks with TB and other things not so common in the developed world. Education - may be a tough one with so many schools destroyed. Transport - you may find it easy to just get a driver with a car. That can be expensive, but perhaps your work will take care of it. Otherwise, there is walking, motorcycles (or mototaxis) buses, and of course taptaps. The roads suck. The streets are a mess. The availability of general stuff has always been okay - there are larger stores, etc., but with a few of them gone, that might make it more difficult. There are hardware stores, electronics, toys, books, building, plumbing, baby, whatever supplies around. Prospects? It will be a very tough several years.
- how is the climate in terms of weather, hyegien, cleaning and pollution?
The weather is typical tropical. Rainy season is about to begin. Afternoon squalls. The heat in the lower part of PaP can be oppressive. The dust can be pretty bad. The city has no real refuse pick up, so there is garbage and human waste of all types nearly everywhere. Foul, fetid, lots of animals eating it, etc.
- what is the security situation in streets?
Security is okay right now, but that may change. Never let your guard down, be careful at night, lock up anything of value or don't bring it with you. On the other hand, Haitians are generally very helpful. Violence there is not unlike most anywhere else, really.
- is there any thing in particulare i should not forget to put in my luggage before travelling to haiti?
Bring some good books for translation/language. Malaria medicine is recommended. Extra flash lights, batteries, possibly (they are expensive there). Mosquito netting.That's all I can think of right now.

It's been a tough place to stay for a long time. The earthquake made things far worse. Great people, an amazing adventure. Read up as much as you can and have a great time!