Water & Sanitation Crisis in Port-au-Prince Slums: Canaan

Ensuring a safe and quality water supply to human communities around the world is an ongoing challenge. Water is essential for life, and access to clean drinking water is a basic human right. However, many people around the world, especially in developing countries, do not have access to safe water. The United Nations, academic institutions, NGOs, and governments have been working for decades to address the global water crisis. The first international conference on water was held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1977. This conference led to the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-1990), which aimed to reduce the incidence of water-related diseases. Since then, there have been many other international events and initiatives aimed at improving access to safe water. The lack of safe water and sanitation is a major cause of poverty and malnutrition. It is also a threat to human health, as it can lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.

Haiti's history is marked by natural disasters, with earthquakes, floods, and cyclones leaving devastating environmental and human consequences. Haitian cities are experiencing rapid population growth, straining water infrastructure and sanitation systems. Port-au-Prince, the largest city, has seen especially explosive growth, with precarious settlements, due in part to the Haitian government's efforts to attract foreign investment and promote the development of subcontracting industries. This has led to a significant displacement of the country's rural population to Port-au-Prince. These settlements lack basic services and expose residents to health risks. The city's problems are exacerbated by the fact that it has no comprehensive development policy.

The Canaan slum in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is a particular example of a community that is facing the challenge of water. It emerged after the 2010 earthquake. The slum is located in a drought-stricken area, and there is no collective collection of solid waste or drainage of domestic wastewater. The residents of Canaan consume water of non-guaranteed quality, which puts them at risk of disease. The study will focus on two main areas: urbanization and sanitary conditions in the slums of Port-au-Prince, and the history of Canaan.

Five levels or dimensions of precariousness in the slums of Port-au-Prince are identified:

• Physical precariousness: due to the location of the neighborhood (ravines and swamps)
• Environmental precariousness: due to the lack of basic services such as drinking water, sanitation, and waste disposal.
• Land insecurity: the people who live in the slums are not legal owners of the land.
• Economic insecurity: the level of poverty in the slums is very high.
• Social precariousness: the people who live in the slums are not recognized by the public authorities.

 

The WHO/UNICEF program defines safe drinking water and basic sanitation as follows:

Water can be considered as safe drinking water if it can be used for domestic purposes like drinking, cooking, and hygiene. It is accessible within 1km and provides at least 20 liters per person per day. It meets WHO or national quality standards regarding microbes, chemicals, and physical properties. It is indicated by use of improved sources like home connections, public stands, public standpipes, Boreholes, Protected wells, Protected springs, Rainwater harvesting.

Basic sanitation must ensure hygienic disposal of wastewater and a clean environment Including safety and privacy for users. It is measured by use of improved services like connection to a public sewer, Connection to a septic tank, flush latrines, simple pit latrines or improved latrine with self-ventilated pit.

 

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, access to clean water remains a significant challenge, particularly for residents of slums. Several factors contribute to this precarious water situation:

 1) rapid urbanization

2)contaminated sources: Water sources, including groundwater and surface water, are often polluted with fecal coliforms, parasites like Cryptosporidium, and heavy metals, posing serious health risks. (73% of Haitians use an improved water source, but only 33% have improved sanitation)

3) Poor sanitation

The consequences of this limited access to clean water are severe, waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea are prevalent, particularly among children under two and individuals with compromised immune systems. These illnesses can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and even death.

 

Canaan's emergence reflects the complex interplay of environmental factors, socioeconomic forces, and ineffective governance. The survey of 439 households in Canaan exhibit some similarities to those in the ECVMAS 2012 survey for the metropolitan area, but with key differences due to the influx of migrants after the 2010 earthquake. Led by mostly male heads of household averaging 42 years old (compared to 46 and 49% female in the metropolitan area), these families are larger, averaging 5.11 people compared to 4.5 in the metropolitan area. This likely explains the higher number of children under 18. Housing conditions are precarious, with rudimentary or non-existent toilets, limited electricity access, and basic waste disposal methods like incineration or dumping. Wastewater is often simply thrown outside, highlighting the lack of proper sanitation infrastructure. While these households resemble the mononuclear family to some extent, extended families are also present. The overcrowding and lack of basic services point to the significant challenges faced by these communities in Canaan. Its story highlights the need for sustainable urban development policies that prioritize resilience and address the vulnerabilities of Haitian cities in the face of natural disasters and rapid population growth. Despite everything some of the residents find some ways to have water.

 They rely on various sources, including 237 identified water points, but these often come at a significant cost. On average, households dedicate 16% of their income to water, with 25% spending over 24%. This burden highlights the precariousness of water access in Canaan, where financial constraints further limit their ability to secure this vital resource. Despite the challenges, residents utilize various strategies to cope. Some collect rainwater, treat surface water, or rely on shared wells. However, these methods raise concerns about water quality and hygiene, potentially contributing to health risks. The study found that: 54% of households reported diarrhea, 3.6% cholera, 28.9% malaria, and 19.8% typhoid. Larger households, those with more young people under 18, and those with poorer water quality had higher vulnerability scores.

Some other solutions are intended to try diminishing the vulnerability. The use of water gallon, sachet, water for drinking, and truck-based water is delivery for other uses all helped. Sodium hypochlorite in liquid form, as used, increased vulnerability, while other treatment methods like Aquatab and filters were beneficial. In terms of sanitation, private latrines, the most common form of sanitation, were associated with higher vulnerability, suggesting poor hygiene practices.

These findings highlight the need for interventions to improve water quality, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices to reduce vulnerability in Canaan. This could include providing access to clean water sources, promoting safe water storage and treatment practices, constructing improved sanitation facilities, and educating residents on hygiene practices. Addressing these issues is crucial for protecting the health of the Canaan community. By prioritizing these community-driven interventions, Canaan can gradually improve living conditions, build resilience, and pave the way for sustainable development. The key lies in fostering collaboration, empowerment, and a shared vision for a healthier future.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96321