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Haiti: Protesters Reject Plans to Destroy Shanty Homes
- Friday, July 13, 2012 2:46 PM
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (defend.ht) - Hundreds protested in the streets of Port-au-Prince for the third time in as many weeks against the decision of the government to destroy their hillside shanties.
The crowd shouted anti-government chants and threatened to riot, burn homes. Some have said they are willing to lose their lives to fight for their homes.
The government wants to build drainage channels and plant trees on the hillside to stop flooding, often fatal, that occurs in the city of Port-au-Prince when rain streams down the hill.
The Associated Press reported that 200 homes were built a mile northeast of the capital for people that would be removed, but demolition is scheduled for 450 homes.
"I built my own house, and I'm not going to let anyone come and destroy it," said Jony Juichelle, a 26-year-old protester. "If the government thinks that it's going to destroy my house, they will have to kill me first."
AP: The steep ravine snakes through one of Haiti's biggest shantytowns and ends in front of an elite private school attended by the children of foreign diplomats and Haitian professionals. Seasonal rains cause the ravine to flood and sweep debris to the school entrance.
Related 06.27.2012: Haiti: Hillside Slum Residents Offered Money, Homes, but Demanding More to Move
Related 06.25.2012: Haiti: Protesters Take Streets against Gov't Plans to Destroy Homes
