The demolition work on part of Regina Asumpta College is continuing in Cap-Haïtien, as part of an operation launched by the local authorities to clear a blocked canal and help water flow in the area.
Demolition work on part of the Collège Regina Asumpta is continuing in Cap-Haïtien as part of an operation launched by the local authorities to clear a blocked canal and improve water flow in the area.
For several months, the issue has been a point of contention between the authorities and the school officials over a section of the college’s facilities built over a canal. According to the Nord Department Delegation, this encroachment would disrupt normal water flow and contribute to the drainage problems in the area, especially on 21 A Street during rainy periods.For over a year, the Northern Departmental Delegation has been asking the leaders of Regina Asumpta College to free up the space in question. They had started work on the targeted area, but the Northern departmental delegate, Marc M. Presumed, felt that the work done did not sufficiently meet the measures required by the authorities.
The case also stirred disagreements among several local officials. The president of the interim Municipal Commission of Cap-Haïtien, Michel Saint-Croix, had expressed concerns about demolishing part of the school and advocated for exploring other solutions that would both preserve the school facilities and address the water drainage problem.As the deadline of Friday, August 7, 2026, approached, discussions continued among various parties. The departmental director of Education for the North, José Pierre, notably met with the departmental delegate to explore the possibility of a negotiated solution.
However, these efforts did not lead to the suspension of the operation. Early on Friday evening, August 7, heavy machinery was brought in and began demolishing the relevant part of the building. The intervention was carried out under the responsibility of the departmental delegate of the North, Marc M. Présumé, with the participation of the vice-delegate of the Cap-Haïtien district, Rulz Angrand.Since the start of the operation, work has continued in order, according to the local authorities, to find the canal’s route and clear the space needed for water flow. Michel Saint-Croix was not seen at the site during the operations.The demolition is sparking mixed reactions among the population. Some residents support the move, believing that clearing the canal could improve water drainage and help reduce the buildups seen in nearby streets during rain. Other citizens question the method used and regret the demolition of part of a school, with some also mentioning political considerations surrounding the matter.
The situation highlights differences in opinions on the best way to tackle drainage problems in this part of Cap-Haïtien, while also raising the issue of preserving school infrastructure. Work continues as people await further developments on this issue.
