ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris Launch Significant Sanitation Project in Dominican Republic

ACCIONA’s foundation and Centro Arcoíris have initiated a sanitation and water access project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, benefiting over 4,500 residents. Key components include building wastewater treatment facilities, enhancing drainage, and upgrading drinking water systems. A participatory model will assure long-term maintenance, while this project complements existing infrastructure efforts.

ACCIONA’s corporate foundation, acciona.org, in partnership with the non-profit organization Centro Arcoíris, has launched a significant sanitation and water access initiative in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. This project aims to enhance the quality of life for over 4,500 residents in the neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Villa Penca, benefiting from investments co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID).

The initiative integrates both community and household-level solutions to augment the water and sanitation infrastructure in Bajos de Haina. It includes the construction of six wastewater treatment facilities designed to serve 100 households and an urban redevelopment program aimed at improving drainage systems. Additionally, the project will upgrade drinking water pipes for 100 homes and install flushing toilets in 30 residences, addressing existing sanitation deficiencies in the area.

To ensure the sustainability of these improvements, a participatory management model will be implemented. This model will establish a technical committee comprising local residents tasked with monitoring water usage and assessing water quality. Collaboration will occur among the local community, Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA).

Prior to launching this project, surveys indicated that 69% of households in Villa Penca and 28% in Bella Vista reported inadequate access to drinking water, while 20% and 19% respectively lacked proper sanitation facilities. This project, therefore, complements INAPA’s ongoing investments and anticipates expanding water and sanitation networks to additional homes in the future.

Earlier this year, ACCIONA initiated its efforts in the Dominican Republic with the Light at Home rural electrification program in Elías Piña, benefiting 90 households. This program has brought electricity to 360 individuals in remote areas through photovoltaic systems, addressing energy access where conventional power remains unreliable.

Centro Arcoíris, a prominent non-profit organization, has executed over 70 projects nationwide, focusing on comprehensive development in Haina. Previously, it has assisted over 200 families in Bella Vista and Villa Penca, implementing basic sanitation improvements and flood risk mitigation measures while exploring sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The collaboration between acciona.org and Centro Arcoíris underscores a commitment to improving water access and sanitation for vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic. This initiative not only enhances public health conditions but also promotes community involvement in infrastructure management. With a foundation laid for sustainable development, the project is poised to serve as a model for future similar interventions in the region.

Original Source: www.acciona.com