Overview:
A $5 million IDB-funded irrigation system in Bassin-Bleu was vandalized, leaving farmers without water and causing devastating crop losses.
PORT-DE-PAIX, Haiti — Farmers in Bassin-Bleu are reeling after thieves vandalized a $5 million solar-powered irrigation system, cutting off water to 500 acres of farmland during a critical drought. The theft has left many farmers with crippling financial losses, as they watch their crops wither with no immediate solution in sight.
For 63-year-old farmer Elimage Dessalines, the consequences have been catastrophic.
“More than two months after the looting and destruction of this solar pumping system, drought has hit our farms hard,” Dessalines, a member of the Bassin-Bleu Rivière Gauche Irrigators Association (AIBBRG) told The Haitian Times.
“I lost more than 850,000 gourdes (over $6,500), which was meant for seeds, soil preparation, and paying over 20 employees.”
The solar-powered pumping system was part of an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded initiative launched in partnership with the Departmental Directorate of Agriculture of the Northwest (DDANO) to modernize irrigation in Haiti. It was one of three systems installed in September 2020 under the administration of the late President Jovenel Moïse as part of his signature regional projects, designed to pump water from the Trois Rivières to farmlands in the surrounding area. The project was expected to boost agricultural production, combat food insecurity, and create jobs in one of Haiti’s most vulnerable farming regions.
However, in December 2024, thieves dismantled 66 of the system’s 114 solar panels, leaving the pumping station inoperable just as farmers were preparing for a new planting season. Local authorities and police are now working to track down stolen equipment and strengthen security, but for many farmers, the damage is already done. Crops like bananas, sugar cane, potatoes, and cassava have dried out completely, pushing some farmers into severe debt as they struggle to recover from the economic blow.
Community and authorities denounce vandalism act
Local farmers, agricultural leaders and government officials condemned the destruction of the solar pumping system.
“What happened here is tragic,” said Communal Section Administrator (ASEC) Louisias Mésidor. “This project was meant to change the lives of local farmers here. But now, they have lost everything.”
“As local authorities, we are committed to tracking down those responsible and recovering the stolen equipment,” Mésidor said.
Célonet Thelusma, a local security guard at the irrigation site, also expressed frustration.
“I have no intention of leaving Haiti despite the hardships,” Thelusma said. “But as a young person, I don’t have the financial means to invest in agriculture. What little I had, I lost.”
Bassin-Bleu, a commune of about 65,000 people and located 11 miles south of Port-de-Paix, relies heavily on agriculture. The community produces various crops, such as coffee, cotton, cocoa, banana, corn, beans, sugarcane, tobacco and honey. The irrigation system was expected to boost regional production, reduce food insecurity and create jobs.
Efforts to recover stolen materials
Following the vandalism, local authorities, in collaboration with police and DDANO, launched efforts to recover stolen materials. They have also initiated the construction of a more substantial protective barrier around the perimeter covered by the system.
Community leaders and farmers seen building a wall to protect the solar-powered system site on Feb. 11, 2025. Photo by Kervenson Martial/The Haitian Times.
“A total of 56 out of the 66 stolen solar panels were found, thanks to police investigations and community cooperation,” said Hérode Petit-Homme, secretary of AIBBRG.
One suspect, Charlérant Géralson, was arrested. He claimed he was only hired as a driver and was unaware the panels were stolen.
“I was paid 10,000 gourdes (about $77) to transport 30 solar panels to the Froison locality for a man named Papy,” Géralson said. “Later, Papy gave me 50,000 gourdes to transfer to Johnson, who delivered the panels.”
Authorities continue to investigate and pursue other suspects involved in the theft.
Future of the irrigation project in Bassin-Bleu and beyond
Despite the setbacks, local leaders and farmers remain determined to restore the irrigation project.
“This project came to our community thanks to a promise by the late President Jovenel Moïse,” said Petit-Homme. “It has significantly improved the lives of farmers by allowing them to produce more food. We must rebuild it.”
According to Charité Louis, director of DDANO, the IDB-funded irrigation system was working to meet expectations before the looting.
“This project was part of the Resilient Agriculture Project for Food Security (PARSA), which has already been implemented in several departments of the country,” Louis said.
Across Haiti, multiple solar-powered irrigation systems have been installed to assist farmers thanks to IBD’s funding and support from Taiwan. The Taiwanese government has supported similar projects, including nine solar-powered water pumping systems operational in the Northwest, West and Central Plateau departments.
For Bassin-Bleu farmers, the destruction of their pumping system has caused financial hardship and deepened fears about security in the region. Bassin-Bleu borders Gros-Morne, where the Kokorat San Ras gang operates, instilling fear among residents.
“The criminals stole our future,” said one farmer, who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “I borrowed 800,000 gourdes [$6,150] from a bank to invest in my crops, and now everything is gone.”
Despite the setback, officials and farmers are determined to restore the irrigation system. Community members have begun constructing a protective barrier around the remaining infrastructure, hoping to prevent further theft. However, with security concerns lingering and reinstallation costs uncertain, farmers are left wondering if help will come in time to save their livelihoods.