A significant advancement in Haiti’s environmental infrastructure was achieved on January 30, 2020, with the formal inauguration of the Morne Casse Solid Waste Landfill Center in Fort-Liberté. This landmark project represents a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Haiti’s Ministry of the Environment, and the Government of Japan through its financial backing.
The newly established facility, developed under the Solid Waste Management System Strengthening Project, introduces a comprehensive waste management solution for the Northeast Department. The center features an extensive landfill cell spanning over 22,000 square meters, complemented by a sophisticated weighbridge system that enables precise tracking of waste volumes and enhances operational planning.
Beyond conventional waste disposal, the Morne Casse Center incorporates forward-looking sustainability features including dedicated areas for waste storage, sorting, recycling, and composting operations. The infrastructure is designed to eventually support biogas production, creating additional value from waste materials while addressing environmental concerns.
The inauguration ceremony gathered distinguished representatives including Xavier Michon (UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti), Minister of Environment Moïse Jean-Pierre Fils, and Ueno Yohei from the Japanese Embassy’s Cooperation Office. Local municipal leaders from Fort-Liberté, Ouanaminthe, and Ferrier participated alongside civil society organizations, underscoring the project’s regional significance.
Officials emphasized the transformative potential of this infrastructure in combating health hazards and environmental degradation associated with improper waste disposal. The facility specifically addresses problems of illegal dumping that have previously caused livestock fatalities and compromised community wellbeing through contamination.
This initiative stands as a testament to international cooperation, with Japanese support demonstrating ongoing commitment to Haiti’s development challenges. The project establishes a new benchmark for sustainable waste management practices that could serve as a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.