Haitians Using Cell Phones to Rebuild Their Homes

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Haiti are facilitating mobile phone cash transfers as apart of the initiative Community Support Centres for House Repairs. Those affected by the 2010 earthquake will now have increased access the resources necessary to rebuild their homes. Within the next three months, 1,000 low-income families will receive subsidies of $500 thanks to over 2,000 mobile money transfers.

Digicel, Haiti's larges cell phone service, will facilitate the mobile cellphone cash transfers. Through the usage of cell phones, there will be a greater degree of financial security. Already, four thousand families have registered for the mobile cellphone cash transfer service. Jessica Faieta, Senior UNDP Country Director for Hait, has pointed out that this initiative will benefit women especially. Ms.Faieta said, "Mobile phone vouchers create additional security and convenience here in Haiti, especially for women, who might feel more vulnerable when carrying large sums of money." Since women are heads of over 40 percent of Hatian households, this project will have a significant impact on Haitian households.

-Akshika Patel


SOURCE: UN News Centre