Cerca-La-Source

Cerca-la-Source bore in the past the name of Clairet. It was raised to the rank of commune in 1918. It includes three communal sections. By its geographical position, it is a border town and its dominant relief is the plateau. Apart from the communal section of La Mielle which is fresh, the climate is normal for all the rest of the town. The Inhabitants of this commune Cerca-la-Source bear the name of Cerca-la-Sourcien. In 1998, the population of the commune of Cerca-la-Source was estimated at 34 393 inhabitants and it reached more than 50,000 in 2004. The municipality measures 374.32 km2 and during the year 1998 its density was 91.88 inhabitants / km2.

Overview: Cerca la Source, founded in 1898, is a strong Catholic community. But it still practices animal ritual sacrifice for holiday celebrations. The religious life of the community revolves around St. Francis of Assisi Church, with religious feasts and holidays, retreats, conferences, and education seminars taking place at the church.

Development: The government of Haiti has given little attention to Cerca la Source, leaving the task of developing the city to non-government organizations. With city government allocations, NGOs have built and installed solar street lights, put a cell phone tower up in town, and made road improvements.

Economy and Healthcare: At the level of Economic and Financial Infrastructures, the municipality is very poor. There is only one credit union.

Agriculture has been Cerca la Source’s main means of feeding and clothing the population. But commerce is weak in the city, and people are urging businesses to bring more trade into the area. Once a road or bridge is washed out by a passing storm, it remains unrepaired.

Infrastructure: With the combined resources of local government and NGOs, more improvements to Cerca la Source’s infrastructure are being planned, including more solar panel installations. And a push coming from the residents for factories and schools and decent roads is making Cerca la Source’s future a brighter prospect.

Health: The Ministry of Public Health and Population is represented in the commune by a health sub-district. There is a health center with two doctors, three auxiliaries and thirteen certified matrons.

The program, Zanmi Lasante, has been successful in providing basic healthcare at little to no cost.

Utilities: The town has two rivers and a spring. In addition, thirteen faucets for domestic use were identified. The commune of Cerca-la-Source is not electrified.

Security: With regard to the administrative and judicial infrastructures, the commune has a Court of Peace and a police sub station. There is no prison but, a police custody room

Religion Nearly 34 temples of all beliefs have been enumerated in the commune. The number of Baptist churches is the most numerous, seventeen in total.

Communication There is no radio station, newspaper / magazine or television station.

Organizations Only a peasants group was counted at the communal level.

Leisure: As for Leisure, the municipality of Cerca-la-Source is not well provided. The gagueres are fifteen in number. It has a (soccer) football field, a basketball court and a night club. Concerning Cultural Heritage, a monument has been enumerated at the commune level