In May 2010, the Logistics Cluster started a new initiative in Haiti – Working with the National GIS Capacity.
The Centre National de l’Information Géo-Spatiale (CNIGS) is located in Port-au-Prince and part of the Ministère de la Planification et de la Coopération Externe. Its activities include topographic and thematic mapping, town plans, urban and rural planning, projects on land surface utilization and the maintenance of a geographic database. This data is being shared with the Ministère des Travaux Publics Transports et Communications (MTPTC) and with the Direction de la Protection Civile (DPC). Other clients include the Private Sector, as well as various construction companies.
The CNIGS Office collapsed during the earthquake on 12 January 2010, killing six of their staff. Temporary office space in form of three containers has been set up next to the destroyed office building. Only 20 workstations are available for 60 staff (40 technical specialists and 20 support staff). This means that only 20 staff can work at a time, hence they have to work in rotations.
Two of their staff, Glamanine Opont and Richmond Novaldo, joined the Logistics Cluster GIS unit in Port-au-Prince. In May 2010, the Logistics Cluster reinforced its collaboration with the national GIS centre, which initially started during the Gonaives Hurricane Response in August 2008. WFP has agreed to ensure the availability of office space and training for our National colleagues; and the CNIGS will continue maintaining the UN Spatial Data Infrastructure for Transport (UNSDI-T) once the Logistics Cluster is phasing out.
Both National staff are fully embedded in the team. Glamanine is the focal point for the Logistics Cluster’s five data collectors in the field, and she is also responsible for analysing that data. Richmond is currently working closely with WHO/PAHO, IOM and OCHA on the mapping of Cholera Treatment sites, in support of the MSPP and the Health Cluster.
The contract between WFP and CNIGS has just been extended, with a third National staff joining the Logistics Cluster GIS team shortly. Thus ensuring collaboration will continue, for at least another six months. And now, more than a year after the earthquake, the new CNIGS Office site is ready. Carton boxes will be packed and equipment to be moved in the first days of February.
