Efforts to Improve Water and Sanitation Services in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is seeing transformative changes in water and sanitation services through initiatives led by the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewerage (INAPA), supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and various development partners. These efforts are particularly aimed at addressing concerns in several coastal regions.
Interventions are underway in communities such as Boca Chica, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey, and Punta Cana-Bávaro. These initiatives seek to increase urban sanitation coverage nationally from 24% to 33%. In the municipality of Higüey, approximately 66,000 households are expected to benefit directly from these services.
Punta Cana-Bávaro, a critical area both for its local communities and its tourism industry, faces significant challenges in water access. Within specific neighborhoods like Verón and Friusa, over 138,000 residents lack access to safely managed water and sanitation services, forcing many families to rely on water trucks and shallow wells for their needs. This situation is exacerbated by the overexploitation and contamination of the aquifer, which serves as a vital resource for these communities.
To counteract these issues, the Comprehensive Program for Clean Water, Universal Sanitation, and Re-use in the Punta Cana-Bávaro Zone has been introduced. The program includes initiatives to establish new water supply sources, develop sewerage networks in both formal and informal areas, and implement wastewater treatment and reuse systems. Furthermore, it incorporates strategies for monitoring and protecting the aquifer.
This program aims to provide safely managed water and sanitation services for 124,200 individuals, targeting a connectivity rate of 90%. Additionally, it promotes the reuse of treated water for irrigation purposes, which is intended to alleviate pressure on existing water sources and safeguard the coastal aquifer crucial for the region.
Why It Matters
Improving water and sanitation services in the Dominican Republic is essential for public health, sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. As urbanization and tourism continue to grow, addressing these challenges is vital for ensuring that communities have reliable access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
