Luma Demetrius the Mayor of Ouanaminthe and Vincent Degert the Ambassador of the European Union, in the presence of other partners including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Authorities, proceeded this week at the inauguration of the city's new municipal market.

Financed to the tune of 900,000 Euros by the European Union, this contract, whose technical assistance was entrusted to the UNDP, which contributed to the financing of 85,000 Euros, was carried out by the Merineco consortium under the supervision of the Office of the National Authorizing Officer.

Recall that the rehabilitation, coupled with the reorganization of the market was launched in 2016. It allowed to pour a concrete slab of 13,700 m2, to rehabilitate the building of meat trade, to proceed with the repair of the roofs of the two covered buildings , set up new gates, repair fencing walls, clean the market and evacuation channels and set up an office for the market manager.

More than 2,350 locations are now available for merchants in the area of ​​which 1,800 are already filled.

Through the adoption of internal regulations, management and operating rules have been put in place by the Ouanaminthe City Council in consultation with merchants to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the market.

In his speech, Ambassador Degert said, "For the market to work sustainably, each actor must play his part. It's is thus that the merchants have to pay their taxes and comply with the market regulations. For its part, it is up to the town hall, with the resources collected, to provide the necessary services including cleaning, garbage collection and ensure safety [...] It is thanks to this mutual respect of the commitments that the market will work and become an example across the country. Know that other cities in the country look at you and that others will want to be inspired by this innovative management model."

This project is part of a broader support provided by the European Union in the border area of ​​Ouanaminthe. Recall that rural roads have been financed, for example, and the EU is also building the Dajabon-Ouanaminthe border binational market. The EU will also finance a new customs post and remain engaged with the town hall for a new program to be launched early next year.

HL/ HaitiLibre