Overview:
Photos from the first day of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè (“Zero Trash Collective”), a nationwide waste management project launched in Cap-Haïtien on April 25.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — After years of complaints about trash overrunning the country’s second largest city, the Haitian government launched Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè, or “Zero Trash Collective” in Cap-Haitien April 25. However, residents say, the inaugural tidying of a beachfront area is not enough, especially since recent rains exacerbated waste-related blockages that have disrupted daily life.
About 50 workers and government officials had kicked off the nationwide cleanup at The Litoral, a stretch of beach near the Cap-Haïtien International Airport. Minister of Environment Valéry Fils-Aimé said the cleanup initiative has four pillars: strengthening and preserving waste, community restoration, natural resources management and strengthening environment governance. He did not provide a detailed plan nor funding information about the project.
Yet, in the days that followed, residents frustrated with growing piles of waste across the city began taking to the streets in protest. While blocking two main roads, they demanded repairs to the deteriorating road, the unclogging of an irrigation canal blamed for repeated flooding and for officials to address the root causes of the problem. Namely, a lack of infrastructure, high unemployment and few public services.
Below are some images from Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè’s kick-off and subsequent demonstrations.
An excavator pouring waste on the back of a pickup truck. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Two workers gathering plastic bottles from near the Atlantic Ocean. Officials started Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè at The Litoral, an extremely unsanitary area, because it is one of their first places people see when they visit Haiti since it is near the Cap-Haïtien International Airport. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times.
A worker takes a quick break to pose for the camera. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A worker tosses plastic bottles with a shovel into the back of a three-wheel motorcycle. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A view of The Litoral with workers, a truck and two excavators during the launch of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè on April 25, 2026. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè was held during Samdi Sitwayen (Saturday Citizens), an initiative from the town hall in which residents take care of the environment every last Saturday of the month. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
An excavator pushing plastic bottles away during the first day of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè on April 25, 2026. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Workers wore facemasks and protected their hair with bonnets during Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè on April 25, 2026. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
At least three excavators were used during the first day of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè on April 25, 2026. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A young man put his mask down to show his entire face to the camera. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
A young woman resting her hands on a broom before the start of the workday. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
Two men stand on The Litoral with a striking view of the Atlantic Ocean behind them. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
The Litoral pictured after residents started cleaning it during the first day of Konbit Ayiti Zewo Dechè on April 25, 2026. Photo by Onz Chéry/ The Haitian Times
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Email me at onz@haitiantimes.com
Onz Chery is a Haiti correspondent for The Haitian Times. Chery started his journalism career as a City College of New York student with The Campus. He later wrote for First Touch, local soccer leagues in New York and Elite Sports New York before joining The Haitian Times in 2019.
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