Rep. Johnson's statement on the anniversary of the devastating Haiti earthquake

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson today released the following statement on the first anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake:

“I visited Haiti to observe elections late last year, and it’s clear that much work remains undone,” said Johnson, who visited Haiti over the Thanksgiving weekend to observe elections and receive a briefing on the cholera outbreak.

“Thousands are still living in camps and more than 1.3 million people remain homeless. The cholera epidemic is still a major public health challenge. Major roads remain impassable and normal life is on hold due to enormous piles of rubble that are impeding movement and construction. Just five percent of the 22 million cubic yards of heavy debris has been removed. At that rate, it will take 19 years to clear the debris.

We must stay focused on reconstruction, we must continue to provide aid, we must hold Haiti’s political leaders accountable and we must promote humane refugee policies to deal with displaced persons. I remain steadfastly committed to helping Haiti stabilize its infrastructure, political life and its economy.”

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