Location: Vivy Michel and Martissant, Port au Prince – Haiti

Client: US Department Of State – Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

Design: Doherty Sommers Architects Engineers, Palgag Building Technologies LTD

Design Management: Palgag Building Technologies LTD

INL Program

Design and Build contract for the construction of two new police stations for the Haitian National Police (HNP) in Vivy Michel and Martissant. This contract has been awarded as part of US DOS INL´s program in Haiti to provide facilities that will support the operation of the Haitian National Police (HNP). The project has been designed in accordance to applicable US codes and standards for police stations ablutions and temporary detention facilities and developed in similar remote locations with important challenges in terms of logistics and manpower.
As the main contractor PALGAG was responsible for all the construction management including engineering support, procurement, logistics, project management, and implementation of Quality Control and Health & Safety plans, matching the client (INL) requirements.

About the project

The two police stations were designed to be of a uniform presentation, of a modernist building that expresses a strong physical presence in the neighborhood. It is important that the buildings have a balance between being an open structure, inviting to individuals to seek assistance, and a firm visual presence, that evokes stability in the community.
The design includes the following disciplines: architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire detection system.

The total two sites area is about 2,600 square meters, and includes about 1,200 built square meters.

The project consists of the phased demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two three stories buildings, in addition to site works and utilities. The main buildings construction method consists of reinforced concrete shell. Solar photovoltaic power systems were designed and implemented in each of the main buildings. Martissant police station is also equipped with a CCTV system.

Each complex includes:

  • Main buildings
    – First floor: public receiving area, interview rooms and holding cells
    – Second floor: multi-purpose room, armory, evidence storage, communication room, kitchen and dining room, commander office and barracks
    – Third floor: men and women barracks
  • Outdoor secure area
  • Parking area
  • Perimeter wall and fences
  • Exterior solar lighting
  • Technical area
  • Water storage, pumps and water purification system
  • Security Control Access Points
  • Site development

For the successful execution of the project, the following skills and expertise were required: multi-discipline design capabilities, full construction capabilities, construction management, engineering support, logistic and procurement planning, human resources.

All construction and finishing works on site were self-performed by Palgag teams without involving any subcontractor, thanks to the development of in-country operational capabilities.