ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris have launched a sanitation and water access project in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, benefiting over 4,500 residents. The initiative includes constructing wastewater treatment facilities and improving household water access, while ensuring sustainable management through local community involvement. This project complements existing efforts by INAPA and follows ACCIONA’s earlier electrification program in the region.
ACCIONA’s corporate foundation, acciona.org, in collaboration with the Centro Arcoíris non-profit organization, has initiated a significant project aimed at enhancing water and sanitation access in the San Cristóbal province of the Dominican Republic. This initiative will positively impact more than 4,500 individuals residing in the Bella Vista and Villa Penca neighborhoods of Bajos De Haina. Co-financed by the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID), the project strives to improve public health and living conditions.
Key components of the project include the construction of six wastewater treatment facilities, serving 100 households, alongside an urban redevelopment plan designed to enhance drainage systems and mitigate flooding and water pollution. Additionally, improvements will be made to drinking water pipelines for 100 homes, and 30 residences will receive modern flushing toilets, greatly improving sanitation access.
A participatory management framework is planned to ensure the sustainable maintenance of these services. A technical committee, comprising trained local residents, will supervise water efficiency and quality evaluations. Collaboration will involve the local community, Haina Municipal Council, and the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA).
Prior to the project, surveys indicated that 69% of households in Villa Penca desired improved drinking water, with 20% lacking sanitation, while Bella Vista reported 28% without drinking water and 19% in need of sanitation solutions. This project aligns with INAPA’s ongoing investments, aiming to enhance infrastructure and potentially extend water and sanitation networks to additional homes.
Earlier this year, ACCIONA also launched the Light at Home rural electrification initiative in the province of Elías Piña. This program has provided electricity to 90 households in remote areas through residential photovoltaic systems, improving the quality of life for approximately 360 residents in regions lacking reliable energy access.
Centro Arcoíris is a well-established non-profit organization with a proven track record of over 70 completed projects. Its ongoing collaborations in Haina focus on comprehensive development, having assisted more than 200 families with essential sanitation and flood risk reduction efforts, while conducting research to foster sustainable solutions.
The partnership between ACCIONA and Centro Arcoíris signifies a commitment to enhancing water and sanitation access for over 4,500 individuals in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. By implementing effective community solutions and fostering local management, this project aims to create sustainable improvements in public health and living conditions. Furthermore, ACCIONA’s previous interventions, such as the rural electrification program, underline its dedication to addressing critical needs in marginalized areas.
Original Source: www.acciona.com
