ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have initiated a project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, aimed at enhancing water access and sanitation for over 4,500 residents in two neighborhoods. Co-financed by AECID, the project includes six wastewater treatment facilities, urban redevelopment for drainage, and improvements to household water infrastructure. A participatory model will ensure long-term service maintenance.
ACCIONA, through its corporate foundation acciona.org, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Centro Arcoíris, has inaugurated a vital water and sanitation initiative in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. This project is designed to enhance the living conditions of over 4,500 individuals in the neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Villa Penca, and is co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID).
The initiative integrates community-based and household solutions complementing local government efforts to improve water and sanitation infrastructure. It includes the construction of six wastewater treatment facilities to service 100 households, along with urban redevelopment to enhance drainage systems and address flooding and water pollution issues. Additionally, improvements to drinking water pipes will benefit 100 homes, while 30 households will receive flushing toilets.
To ensure sustainable operation, a participatory management model will be introduced, which involves establishing a trained local technical committee dedicated to monitoring water efficiency and quality. Collaboration will occur among community members, the Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA).
Prior to the project’s initiation, surveys indicated that 69% of Villa Penca households experienced a need for drinking water, while 20% lacked sanitation facilities; in Bella Vista, 28% were without drinking water, and 19% required sanitation services.
This endeavor aligns with ongoing INAPA investments in the municipality, seeking to pave the way for enhanced water distribution and wastewater treatment solutions. It opens avenues for connecting future networks to additional residences and public amenities. Earlier this year, ACCIONA commenced operations in the Dominican Republic with the Light at Home electrification program in Elías Piña province, benefiting 90 households with solar energy systems.
Centro Arcoíris, a prominent nationwide non-profit organization, has executed over 70 projects. It has been instrumental in Haina’s comprehensive development, aiding over 200 families in Villa Penca and Bella Vista by implementing basic sanitation and flood risk reduction strategies.
The launch of the sanitation and water access project by ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris represents a significant advancement in public health initiatives in the Dominican Republic. This collaborative effort directly addresses the pressing needs of over 4,500 individuals, providing essential infrastructure improvements while ensuring long-term sustainability through community involvement and management. Furthermore, this initiative builds upon ACCIONA’s commitment to fostering better living conditions in the region.
Original Source: www.acciona.com
