A Conversation With SOIL's Waste Treatment Manager, Sadouddly Michael Lambert

Our Haitian staff members remain safe in Cap-Haitien as we continue to navigate the current challenges with a robust emergency response plan and an incredibly dedicated group of employees. 

In one of our final staff conversations of the year, we spoke with Saddoudly Michael Lambert, SOIL’s Waste Treatment Manager, about his work, life and the current times in Haiti.  

Interviewer: How are you and your family doing right now? 

Sadouddly: My family and I are doing well although the situation is making things more difficult for us as it affects my family business and their daily activities.

Interviewer: What does a typical work day look like for you? Are you able to work? 

Sadouddly: Yes, I can work most of the day when the internet signal is good.

Interviewer: How is the current situation in Haiti affecting your ability to do your job?

Sadouddly: The current insecurity has affected SOIL’s efficiency, as some tasks require direct supervision, but the site supervisor and manager cannot come to the waste treatment site as usual, which creates a delay in some of the tasks which can impact the composting process. But the team manages to do their best to be on site and keep operations running smoothly.

Interviewer: How do you think SOIL is navigating these challenges?

Sadouddly: SOIL develops a contingency plan where each staff member knows which activities they are responsible for and are essential based on their job title. Composting staff who live in non-trouble-prone areas can come to the site when possible.

SOIL has also set up emergency transport assistance for staff to help them cope with the increased cost of transport during this crisis.

Interviewer: What inspires you to continue to do this work despite all of the challenges?

Sadouddly: The situation right now in Haiti is complicated which makes problems related to sanitation and waste treatment even more accentuated. This hardship, however, inspires me to continue to do the work, especially during this difficult period.

Interviewer: Is there anything you’d like to add or share about the current situation?

Sadouddly: It is true that we are in a situation where the roads are blocked and many institutions are closed. Sanitation, however, should not be neglected. On the contrary, it is time for us to work harder and get to the most vulnerable areas to offer our EkoLakay service to families.

Interviewer: Is there anything you’d like to add about what other members of your team are doing? 

Sadouddly: I want to congratulate the team for the amazing work they are doing during this time by making sure that the operations keep running.

Join us in sending encouragement and gratitude to Sadouddly for his service!