Few people have access to clean water in Haiti, and most must pay for it. The Inter-American Development Bank could help, but a US$ 54 million (EUR 55 million) loan to improve access to potable water is on hold because of Haiti's political crisis. Other loans also are held up. The United States has blocked release of nearly US$ 150 million (EUR 153 million) in low-interest loans until Haiti's government and opposition settle a long-running election dispute. The European Union similarly has frozen US$ 45 million (EUR 45.9 million) in grants. Even if the loans are approved, their disbursement is expected to be delayed by required reforms. Haiti's government says that the water loan is particularly important because infections and diseases spread through contaminated water are a leading cause of death. The World Health Organization (WH) estimates that 46% of Haiti's eight million people have safe drinking water. Networks of water pipes haven't kept up with heavy migration from rural areas to cities, and many water sources are contaminated.

Source: World Bank Press Review, 25 Jun 2002