Haiti Public Expenditure Review (In Two Volumes) Volume I: Main Report
Summary — A World Bank comprehensive review of Haiti's public expenditures across all major sectors from 1981-1985. The report analyzes government spending patterns and provides recommendations for public investment programs through 1989.
Key Findings
- Public enterprises are operating at significant losses and contributing negatively to Haiti's economy and balance of payments.
- There are substantial inefficiencies in public spending allocation across all major sectors.
- Many public investments show poor returns and lack proper planning and execution.
- Extrabudgetary expenditures play a significant role in government operations.
- NGOs are filling gaps in service delivery that should be government responsibilities.
Full Description
This comprehensive World Bank public expenditure review examines Haiti's government spending patterns from 1981-1985 across all major sectors including agriculture, industry, electricity, transport, telecommunications, urban development, water supply, education, and health. The report analyzes both operational and investment expenditures, identifying significant inefficiencies in public spending and poor returns on public investments.
The study reveals that many public enterprises are operating at losses and contributing negatively to the economy. It examines extrabudgetary expenditures and the role of NGOs in providing services that would otherwise fall under government responsibility. The report provides detailed sectoral analyses showing underperformance in key areas and misallocation of resources.
Based on extensive field work conducted in October-November 1985, the report offers specific recommendations for improving public expenditure efficiency and proposes a comprehensive public investment program for 1986-1989. It emphasizes the need for structural reforms to improve economic performance and better allocation of public resources.
The document includes detailed financial projections, sector-by-sector investment recommendations, and financing plans. It serves as a blueprint for reforming Haiti's public sector spending to achieve better development outcomes and more sustainable economic growth.