Haiti towns face crisis over 2 years of unpaid funds

Local finance crisis: mayors warn of unsustainable situation

Haiti’s local governments are facing a deep financial crisis marked by prolonged delays in state funding. The National Federation of Haitian Mayors (FENAMH) has raised alarm over what it describes as an increasingly unsustainable situation.

At a press conference, FENAMH president and mayor of Belladère, Denoil Antenor, revealed that the central government is approximately 24 months behind on transfers owed to municipalities.

According to him, the delays are severely affecting the day-to-day management of local administrations.

Municipalities struggle to maintain basic services

Several town halls are now unable to meet their financial obligations, including paying staff and covering operational costs.

This funding gap is directly impacting the ability of municipalities to deliver essential public services to residents.

The situation has heightened concerns about a broader institutional slowdown at the local level.

Urgent call for government intervention

Denoil Antenor has called on the authorities — particularly the Ministry of the Interior and Local Authorities and the Ministry of Economy and Finance — to act without delay to resolve the crisis.

He stressed that the rapid release of funds is crucial to prevent further paralysis of local institutions.

Push for structural reforms

Beyond the immediate crisis, FENAMH is also advocating for a long-term overhaul of local governance.

The organization is calling for stronger institutional capacity and increased investment in local development projects aimed at improving living conditions.

A key issue for national stability

FENAMH warns that restoring municipal finances is essential not only for service delivery but also for maintaining social stability and ensuring balanced development across the country.

The federation insists that a prompt and effective response from the state is now critical.

Ronald André.