Haiti's earthquake recovery remains slow five years on

Subject

Reconstruction five years after the January 2010 earthquake.

Significance

A substantial international aid effort to 'build back better' after Haiti's 2010 earthquake has fallen short of its objectives despite some initial successes. A housing crisis continues. Much needed infrastructure remains unbuilt. Some advances are being made towards resolving a recurrent political crisis that has discouraged foreign investment and undermined economic recovery. However, these are unlikely to produce significant improvements in the country's fortunes during 2015.

Impacts

• A lack of transport and trade infrastructure in Haiti represents a serious obstacle to foreign firms seeking to operate there.
• The expansion of slums in the capital means any future earthquake would likely have a high human and economic cost.
• Disruption and violent incidents in Port-au-Prince are likely during ongoing opposition protests against the Martelly administration.