ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris Enhance Water Access in the Dominican Republic

ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have launched a water access and sanitation project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, benefiting over 4,500 residents. The initiative involves constructing wastewater facilities, improving plumbing, and encouraging community management for sustainability. This aligns with broader governmental efforts to enhance local infrastructure and complements prior electrification initiatives by ACCIONA in Elías Piña.

ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have initiated a project in the Dominican Republic aimed at enhancing water access and sanitation for over 4,500 residents in the Bajos de Haina municipality, particularly in the neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Villa Penca. This endeavor is co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID). The initiative is designed to align with the Dominican government’s efforts to upgrade local infrastructure.

The project will establish six wastewater treatment facilities, benefitting 100 households, and it will introduce an urban redevelopment scheme focusing on drainage improvements to mitigate flooding and water pollution. Additionally, the project will enhance drinking water plumbing for 100 houses and install flushing toilets in 30 homes, thereby providing essential sanitation solutions.

A collaborative management approach will be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the water services. A technical committee composed of local residents will be trained to monitor water efficiency and quality. Partners in the project include the local community, the Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA).

Prior to the project’s launch, a survey indicated significant needs among residents, with 69% of Villa Penca households lacking drinking water and 20% without access to sanitation. In Bella Vista, 28% were without drinking water, and 19% required sanitation solutions.

This initiative from ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris complements ongoing efforts by INAPA to enhance the infrastructure in the municipality, positioning the area for future water distribution and wastewater treatment improvements.

Earlier this year, ACCIONA also commenced the Light at Home program in Elías Piña province, providing rural electrification to 90 households across multiple communities. This program has successfully delivered electricity to 360 residents in regions with limited access to conventional power sources.

Centro Arcoíris, a significant non-profit entity in the Dominican Republic, has executed over 70 projects with a focus on comprehensive development in Haina. Through previous initiatives, it has improved living conditions for more than 200 families in the target neighborhoods, concentrating on sanitation and flood risk reduction while promoting sustainable development practices.

The partnership between ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris in the Dominican Republic represents a significant advancement in improving water access and sanitation for vulnerable communities. The project addresses critical needs and establishes a framework for sustainable management, ensuring long-term benefits for over 4,500 residents. Furthermore, this initiative enhances prior efforts to bolster infrastructure, providing essential resources to promote public health and well-being within the region.

Original Source: www.acciona.com