HAITI: USS KEARSARGE ENGINEERS ASSESS BRIDGES

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 001284 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/EX, WHA/CAR VDEPIRRO, S/ES-O/CMS, S/CRS, INR/IAA STATE PASS USAID FOR LAC/CAR, OFDA SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD TREASURY FOR ERIN NEPHEW E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC PREL PINR EAID ECON HA SUBJECT: HAITI: USS KEARSARGE ENGINEERS ASSESS BRIDGES REF: A. PORT AU PRINCE 01252 ¶B. PORT AU PRINCE 01275 ¶1. (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified -- please protect accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) As of this drafting, four U.S. engineers with the USS Kearsarge U.S. Navy vessel are currently conducting informal aerial surveys of damaged bridges in areas of the country affected by recent flooding and identified by the Government of Haiti as in urgent need of repair and reconstruction. Post will convey their preliminary impressions September 11, when they have finished them. ¶3. (SBU) A preliminary assessment conducted by the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications (TPTC) identified four (4) bridges that were in need of repair or reconstruction. TPTC initial conclusions follow: - Montrouis Bridge. The bridge provided access to the Artibonite and the northern region via the national road, number 1. The central portion was displaced due to flooding of the river. - Latheme bridge, near Mirebalais. The bridge is located on the road leading to the Pont Sonde area. The entire structure was washed away due to river flooding. - Chalon Bridge, near Miragoane. The bridge provides access to the southern peninsula. The bridge collapsed and cannot be repaired. - Ennery Bridge. The bridge is located on national road, number 1 and provides access to the northern region. The bridge collapsed and must be replaced. ¶4. (SBU) Post notes that these assessments have been passed to us, but not yet verified by the engineering team. We will report their observations septel. We also note that since this report was drafted by the TPTC, we have received reports of additional bridge damage. SANDERSON