ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have launched a sanitation and water access project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, benefiting over 4,500 people. The project includes constructing wastewater treatment facilities, enhancing drinking water access, and creating a participatory management model for sustainability. ACCIONA previously initiated a rural electrification program in Elías Piña. Overall, the efforts aim to address critical infrastructure needs in the region.
ACCIONA’s corporate foundation, acciona.org, in partnership with Centro Arcoíris, has introduced a project aimed at enhancing water access and sanitation in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. This initiative is set to benefit over 4,500 individuals in the Bella Vista and Villa Penca neighborhoods of the Bajos de Haina municipality, co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID).
The project incorporates both community and household-level solutions to align with the Dominican government’s strategy for improving water and sanitation infrastructure. Plans include constructing six wastewater treatment facilities for 100 households and an urban redevelopment initiative that will enhance drainage systems, reducing risks of flooding and water pollution. Additionally, 100 homes will see improvements to their drinking water pipes, and 30 households will receive flushing toilets.
To promote sustainability, a participatory management model will be implemented, featuring a technical committee comprising local residents trained to oversee water efficiency and quality monitoring. This project will be supported by the collaboration of the local community, Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA).
Prior to the project’s initiation, surveys indicated significant community needs: 69% of households in Villa Penca identified a lack of drinking water, while 20% reported insufficient sanitation. Similarly, in Bella Vista, 28% lacked drinking water and 19% sanitation facilities.
ACCIONA’s initiative complements existing investments by INAPA and seeks to prepare the area for future developments related to drinking water and wastewater management. This includes the potential expansion of water supply and sanitation networks to more households and public infrastructure.
Earlier this year, acciona.org also launched the Light at Home electrification project in Elías Piña province, benefiting 90 households in Hondo Valle and El Llano by providing photovoltaic systems to improve electricity access.
Centro Arcoíris, a well-established non-profit, has executed over 70 projects across the country, focusing on comprehensive development in Haina. Their collaboration with ACCIONA has already assisted over 200 families in Villa Penca and Bella Vista, addressing fundamental sanitation and flood risk issues while promoting sustainable development solutions.
In summary, the collaborative initiative by acciona.org and Centro Arcoíris is set to significantly improve sanitation and water access for thousands of residents in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. With both community and household strategies, the project not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for sustainable management and future infrastructure development. This effort complements existing governmental actions and highlights the essential role of local community participation in ensuring resilience and better living conditions.
Original Source: www.acciona.com
