It is now more than seven years since Haiti’s horrific earthquake struck, an event that has been described by the New York Times as the “worst urban disaster in history.” Most would agree that efforts to build permanent housing for the homeless thus far have been pathetic. Incredibly, it is estimated that thousands of people are still living in tents. Tragically, it has been reported that Hurricane Sandy destroyed over 6200 homes, and severely damaged over 21,000. The reports of Sandy’s devastation in Haiti mean that more homes were destroyed by Sandy than all the permanent homes constructed since the 2010 earthquake. Haiti needs game-changing technology that allows homes to be erected quickly, and homes that are unequivocally strong to resist extreme natural forces.
There are numerous reasons we are convinced the HabiTek is “perfect for Haiti,” as was expressed by two highly experienced Haitian architects while demonstrating the system to them in Port-au-Prince. The challenge of rebuilding Haiti’s devastated housing sector, and many other buildings types as well, would be expedited by using HabiTek’s innovative technology, which is scalable, ‘erector-set’ like, largely do-it-yourself, and engineered to resist earthquakes and hurricane force winds. HabiTek is a resilient, permanent solution that can be implemented now, and involve any able-bodied Haitian in the process.
We invite government agencies and NGOs active in the rebuilding of Haiti to read the information provided in the links above and contact us. HabiTek is working in association with the Haitian Resource Development Foundation to secure funding to build a demonstration Fò Kay (strong house) and to identify a potential Haitian partner to eventually fabricate steel components in Haiti.
Learn More
- HRDF: Read dispatches on the efforts to Rebuild Haiti
- Fò Kay Design Concept for Haiti
- Can HabiTek’s Resilient Framing System Help Solve the Problem of Haiti’s Homeless?
- Haiti Rebuilding Press Release
- Haiti’s traditional domestic architecture lives on!
- REALOMETER DISPATCH #3 : on the road to aquin – building back the same?