In Haiti, limited access to sanitation services exacerbates poverty, spreads diseases, and hinders economic development. A critical challenge is the lack of financial access for sanitation service providers and households. The “Financing Climate Resilient Sanitation Systems and Services” (SANIFIN) project, a collaborative effort by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to address these problems by mobilizing domestic finance. This initiative will increase the availability of in-home sanitation facilities with effective waste management systems for 85,000 Haitians through climate-resilient sanitation solutions, innovative finance and advisory services to Sanitation Services Providers.
The SANIFIN project celebrated its official launch on December 6th, 2023, in Cap Haitian. Held under the theme “Improving Sanitation for All in Haiti: A Common Cause,” the event marked a pivotal collaboration between PADF and USAID in the advancement in improving sanitation in Haiti. This gathering had over 50 invitees from diverse sectors, including Sanitation Service Providers (SSPs), financial institutions, and sector leaders. Notable attendees included USAID/Haiti Mission Director Jennifer Link and Michelle Jennings, Director of Economic Growth and Agriculture Development; Delegate of the North Department/Mayor of the city of Cap Haitian Patrick Almonor; and Guirand Joseph, President of the State University of Haiti, Campus Henri Christophe of Limonade (CHCL). The event’s primary focus was on bridging knowledge gaps about the sanitation market and fostering the foundation for ongoing partnerships and dialogue in this essential sector. As USAID Mission Director Jennifer Link noted:
USAID Mission Director Jennifer Link discussing the SANIFIN project.
Through its innovative financing approach, USAID SANIFIN will strive to unlock internal resources to strengthen the financial and operational capacity of sanitation service providers, with the primary objective of ensuring that at least 85,000 Haitians receive improved sanitation services.... This objective aligns with the urgent need to address the fact that more than 4 million Haitians lack access to basic sanitation."
The SANIFIN project celebrated its official launch on December 6th, 2023, in Cap Haitian. Held under the theme “Improving Sanitation for All in Haiti: A Common Cause,” the event marked a pivotal collaboration between PADF and USAID in the advancement in improving sanitation in Haiti. This gathering had over 50 invitees from diverse sectors, including Sanitation Service Providers (SSPs), financial institutions, and sector leaders. Notable attendees included USAID/Haiti Mission Director Jennifer Link and Michelle Jennings, Director of Economic Growth and Agriculture Development; Delegate of the North Department/Mayor of the city of Cap Haitian Patrick Almonor; and Guirand Joseph, President of the State University of Haiti, Campus Henri Christophe of Limonade (CHCL). The event’s primary focus was on bridging knowledge gaps about the sanitation market and fostering the foundation for ongoing partnerships and dialogue in this essential sector. As USAID Mission Director Jennifer Link noted:
Through its innovative financing approach, USAID SANIFIN will strive to unlock internal resources to strengthen the financial and operational capacity of sanitation service providers, with the primary objective of ensuring that at least 85,000 Haitians receive improved sanitation services.... This objective aligns with the urgent need to address the fact that more than 4 million Haitians lack access to basic sanitation."
USAID Mission Director Jennifer Link discussing the SANIFIN project.
The official launch of the SANIFIN project was a key milestone, and the event served as a platform to highlight the concerted efforts and collaborations between various stakeholders that have taken place over the last few months. In addition, the event served as an opportunity for knowledge sharing between the various sectors present. SANIFIN’s Chief of Party (COP), Isnel Pierreval, presented comprehensive insights into the household market segment of Haiti’s sanitation market, sharing critical data on market size, demand, perceptions, and households’ willingness to pay for sanitation services. This presentation had a dual purpose. Firstly, it aimed to disseminate information about current initiatives. Secondly, it sought to showcase the successful collaborations already in progress. The goal was to inspire SSPs to further engage and expand their household-level sanitation services. Overall, an essential objective of the event was also to encourage dialogue and explore potential synergies between financial service providers and sanitation service providers, reinforcing the spirit of partnership that is central to the SANIFIN project’s mission.
One of the event’s highlights was a presentation by Joseph Schmitt from the Kohler Company, who spoke about the Company’s innovative Kohler Loope toilet and the new partnership with the SANIFIN project. Kohler also shared a video showcasing the company’s sanitation products, to demonstrate their models customized for households. As Schmitt stated:
[Kohler] is excited to drive impact with [the SANIFIN team], and we look forward to coming to certain agreements and partnering in the coming years."
SANIFIN COP Isnel Pierreval presenting.
In addition, a panel discussion involving financial institutions was another focal point. Reginald Baptiste from Ayiti Leasing discussed financial products for financing equipment, while Carl Jean Louis from Caisse Populaire Fraternité (CPF) talked about financing options available for households to access toilets.
Furthermore, the event featured a demonstration of the SANIPAY platform, a new platform being developed by fintech company HaitiPay through SANIFIN, which is an innovative solution that encompasses multifaceted activities such as interface development, digital payment options, and crowdfunding platforms. It is specifically designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of sanitation services in Haiti and provide opportunities for Haitian diaspora to pay sanitation services for their family in Haiti. Andy René, Director of HaitiPay, spearheaded this presentation and emphasized the strategic role of the diaspora, stating:
[HaitiPay] aims to leverage the purchasing power of the diaspora to improve sanitation back in their country by enabling them to pay for sanitation products for their families in Haiti."
This approach underlines SANIFIN’s commitment to using innovative solutions to address the sanitation challenges in Haiti, engaging the global Haitian community in these efforts.
The SANIFIN project represents a targeted effort aimed at contributing to improved health and economic conditions in Haiti. By promoting active involvement with local communities and integrating gender equality and climate-resilient solutions, the project takes a sustainable approach to project interventions. The launch event in Cap Haitian, bringing together government officials, NGOs, private sector representatives, and over 50 diverse stakeholders, symbolizes a significant stride in addressing Haiti’s urgent sanitation needs. It emphasizes the synergy of private and public sectors in accelerating sanitation access nationwide. Looking ahead, the SANIFIN project is poised to lead further innovations in the field of sanitation. As the SANIFIN project progresses, continually driving innovations and cultivating partnerships, its launch event symbolizes the potential for a more collaborative, inclusive, and effective approach in enhancing sanitation in Haiti.
Published on January 12, 2024.
Cédrelle Alexis Jean Louis
Country Director – Haiti
Email: connect@padf.org
