From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: 

Haiti Reconstruction 10-Year Review

Description: 

In January 2010, a catastrophic earthquake in Haiti caused physical,
social, and economic devastation. More than a decade later, Haiti
continues to experience political and social unrest and natural
disasters, including another large earthquake that struck the country in
August 2021.

GAO reviewed results from evaluations, agency documents, and implementer
reports for a nongeneralizable sample of activities selected based on
funding. GAO interviewed officials, implementers, and beneficiaries.

GAO found that across key sectors--economic and food security,
governance, and health--at least half of the results were successful and
at least one-third were unsuccessful. For example, under governance, an
activity improved property tax systems and another activity fell short
in strengthening judicial oversight.

Released: March 2023

In January 2010, a catastrophic earthquake in Haiti caused physical,
social and economic devastation. More than a decade later, Haiti
continues to experience political and social unrest and natural
disasters. The U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID and the
Department of State have provided billions of dollars over the last
decade to support reconstruction and development in Haiti. The funding
paid for projects such as constructing a power plant, improving
hospitals, clinics and other public facilities and building homes.

However, most projects had unrealistic initial plans, leading to delays,
budget increases and reductions in scope. For example, USAID planned to
build up to 4000 houses in a year and a half, but ended up spending
almost four years to build just over 900 houses. USAID also supported the
reconstruction of a major hospital, with plans to complete it by 2014.

However, construction is still ongoing, about nine years longer than
planned, and U.S. contributions have increased by $10 million. We
recommended ways to help USAID and state ensure that U.S. funding in
Haiti is used more effectively.

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For more info, check out our report GAO-23-105211 at: GAO.gov