Reconstruction underway

Enduring great sorrow, the Haitian people have started to take initial steps to rebuild their country with the help of the international community.

In a temporary tent city near Delmas street in Port-au-Prince, there are about a dozen tents provided by China. The large Chinese tents were allocated for big families.

"I live in a Chinese tent," a little boy who said his name was Anjero often told others with excitement. He shares the tent with his 26 other family members.

"We want to say 'thank you' to Chinese friends," he said.

China's humanitarian aid to Haiti showed the Chinese government and people's respect of lives and human rights.

"China is willing to continue to work with the international community to help the quake victims in Haiti rebuild their homes at an early date," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.

China has so far provided Haiti with material and medical assistance worth US$7 million, as well as another US$3.6 million in remittance. The Chinese Charitable Society called on all charities across China to actively solicit donations for Haiti.

In addition to their routine patrols for the security of Haitian people, the Chinese riot police in Haiti have now become goodwill ambassadors. When they took water, food, stationery and tents to an orphanage in the eastern suburb of the capital, they were warmly welcomed by cheering children.

"This is the first time for us to receive assistance after the quake," said Rachel, whose mother was founder of the orphanage.

"Your nice sentiment was from the bottom of your heart ... I would like to say 'thanks' in the name of the Haitian people," said Gessie Bellerive, chief coordinator of the relief materials.

In spite of all the help from the outside world, the small Caribbean island country is undoubtedly facing a tough road to recovery. According to preliminary estimates, reconstruction may take more than ten years and demand up to US$1 billion.

The Haitian government is drawing up plans to move a large number of people out of the over-populated capital, and the UN Development Program has carried out a cash-for-work program to encourage local people to clear rubble in the capital.

Order has been partially restored in Port-au-Prince, as banks have resumed business and supermarkets have reopened. Music could be heard from corners of streets, and smiles were seen when people greet each other.

"The disaster is not horrible, as long as we have hope," said Jan Francois, an old man who has witnessed a coup, turmoil, poverty and famine.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2010)