A Brazilian Army’s engineering company, integrated by 150 military officers, will embark on June 9th to Haiti. They will work on that country’s infrastructure reconstruction, as part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
According to Colonel Américo Valdetaro, of the Army’s Engineering Construction Department, officers will work on the recovering of roads, bridges, landing strips, schools, hospitals, as well as on the perforation of artesian wells, and construction of water treatment facilities.
The Company is taking to Haiti an asphalt plant, paving material, in addition to other construction materials and supplies for the company.
The total cost of the operation is US$ 8.64 million (21 million reais). According to the Colonel, this money will be reimbursed by the United Nations (UN).
Works are expected to last six months. Valdetaro explained that the military officers went through a six-month training program in order to adapt to the conditions they will find in Haiti.
A first group has already been there since May 25th to study the work to be done, which is determined by the UN.
Haiti is the poorest country of Central America. Since February of last year, it is going through a new political crisis, when the then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled the country and went to South Africa. The President of the Supreme Court, Boniface Alexandre, assumed the presidency temporarily.
During this period, UN was called to support the political transition process and keep the internal security. Reason why the MINUSTAH was established on June 1st, 2004.
In addition to Brazil, other countries such as Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Canada, Chad, Chile, Croatia, France, Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Turkey, and Uruguay also integrate the mission.
Agência Brasil