ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have launched a water and sanitation project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, benefiting over 4,500 individuals. The project includes wastewater treatment facilities, urban redevelopment, and household improvements. It emphasizes community management and aligns with existing initiatives to address local water access challenges.
ACCIONA’s corporate foundation, acciona.org, in partnership with Centro Arcoíris, has initiated a project aimed at enhancing access to water and sanitation in San Cristóbal province, Dominican Republic. This initiative will directly benefit over 4,500 individuals residing in the neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Villa Penca, situated in Bajos de Haina municipality. The project is co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID).
The project entails the construction of six wastewater treatment facilities to serve 100 households, while an urban redevelopment program will introduce drainage infrastructure to alleviate flooding and water pollution challenges. Additionally, improvements to drinking water piping will be made for 100 homes, and 30 households will be provided with flushing toilets.
To ensure sustainable management, a community-centered model will be implemented, featuring a technical committee of local residents responsible for monitoring water quality and efficiency. Collaboration will take place among the local community, Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA). Surveys conducted revealed that 69% of households in Villa Penca and 28% in Bella Vista experienced significant challenges regarding access to drinking water and sanitation.
This project aligns with INAPA’s ongoing investments in the region and aims to lay the groundwork for future improvements in water distribution and wastewater treatment, with prospects for expanding connections to additional households and public infrastructure. Earlier this year, acciona.org launched its operations in the Dominican Republic through the Light at Home rural electrification program in Elías Piña, which benefits 90 households through photovoltaic systems, enhancing electricity access in remote areas.
Centro Arcoíris, a distinguished non-profit organization, has executed over 70 projects nationwide, focusing on comprehensive development within Haina municipality. It has positively impacted over 200 families in Villa Penca and Bella Vista by implementing basic sanitation measures and flood risk reduction strategies, alongside research into sustainable solutions for community challenges.
The collaboration between acciona.org and Centro Arcoíris signifies a significant step towards improving water and sanitation access in San Cristóbal province. Through community-based solutions and the establishment of local oversight, the project aims to enhance quality of life while laying the groundwork for future infrastructure improvements. This initiative not only builds on existing efforts but also represents a commitment to sustainable community development in the region.
Original Source: www.acciona.com
