The landmark towers were restored, the rest of the market rebuilt, solar panels were added to the roof and a concrete deck, built in the 1960s that killed vendors during the earthquake, was removed. All of the renovations were built in order to withstand seismic activity and a way that would require little maintenance in the future. Some of the original features were salvaged and JMP hired local workers to perform the renovation along with craftsmen to create the decorative metal work.
President Bill Clinton was on hand along with O’Brien yesterday for the opening of the bazaar along with hundreds of vendors waiting in line to start their work again. The National Palace still sits in ruins, but the Marché en Fer’s restoration will serve the people well as they continue to recover and rebuild their lives.
Images ©Allison Shelley & John McAslan courtesy of JMP
May lhe Lord bless you Mr O’Brien.You are a savior.Haiti needs a lot of kindhearted creatures like you to be able to rename .Long life to you,and thank you so much for helping this beautiful island.
A lesson for the NGO’s: A private sector did it, not them. Thanks Mr. O’Brien for your unrelenting committment on Haiti. Not only the historic iron market, but also The Marriot hotel project & more. Why Can’t the NGO perform like that with all the funds availble to them?
Great job Mr.O’Brien, your determination proves anyone who really want to spent money to do something in Haiti is possible and can be done. You did in small period of time.congrats, and thank you for helping Haiti restore his beautiful iron market.