Chapter 16 - Construction
16-01 Overview
There is dangerous assymetry in government and governance. Bad governance will always result in bad performance, but good governance on its own does not assure good performance. Many other elements are needed in order to have an effective enabling environment.
The Role of Construction
Almost all the construction work in Haiti should be undertaken by local organizations and using local professionals. Performance may be enhanced in some cases with external technical input, but it should be limited and relevant to the issues at hand. Almost all of the infrastructure building that is needed can be done by local organizations with rather modest amounts of external technical assistance. The goal is to construct infrastructure of a quality at the lowest possible cost so that the economy can be more productive.
Rebuilding ... housing
The local construction industry should be funded to do the essential rebuilding needed as a result of war damage. All the essential utility services should be brought up to a level of service that should be normal in a country of Haiti's wealth.
Road construction
Road construction should be advanced where it is needed. Efforts should be made to ensure that the road network not only serves the main urban areas but also reaches remote communities. Not all the roads need to be built to international standards, but should be all weather roads.
Employment
The construction sector should be an important source of jobs in Haiti. Rebuilding should help increase paid employment in the economy of the area. The economy will be strengthened in lots and lots of little construction projects can be undertaken. Well planned development will not only provide jobs for laborers but to all levels of supervision, management and administration.
Training
In some areas training may be needed. Training should be available to the construction industry through a range of modalities. There should be skills training available through vocational training centers and “on the job” provided by cooperating contractors.
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