On the road to Delmas and in Pétion-Ville, the sidewalks are often occupied by vendors setting up their stalls. This situation forces pedestrians to use the roadway, while drivers must exercise extra caution. Behind this phenomenon, which is gradually becoming the norm, the State seems to turn a blind eye to a situation that is worsening and could have serious and regrettable consequences.

It is 9 a.m. Our walk begins in Delmas 19. Traffic is still timid, and as we advance, economic and commercial activities are functioning normally. However, one observation catches our attention on the road to Delmas, both on the upward axis leading to Pétion-Ville and on the downward one towards Carrefour-Aéroport. Vendors occupy the sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roadway. Worse still, vehicles and drivers must be much more cautious. From Delmas 19 to Delmas 33, the situation gradually becomes a real headache. Between Delmas 31 and 33, pedestrians have the choice between walking on the roadway or finding their way through the narrow space left between the vendors’ goods. In some places, two people, even of small size, can barely move past each other at the same time. Collaboration and patience are required; one passes, then the other. When two individuals come from opposite directions and attempt to pass simultaneously, the situation becomes particularly complicated. Sometimes, one must travel along the axis to Delmas 45 before finding a sufficiently clear sidewalk, this space supposedly reserved for pedestrians.