Above: Santiago
By the Caribbean Journal staff
Almost 330,000 inhabitants in the Dominican Republic’s Santiago de los Caballeros could see improved access to drinking water, following approval of a $25 million loan by the Inter-American Development Bank.
The project is initially expected to allow water service for at least 12 continuous hours each day for 211,000 people, according to the IDB, although teh proejct also aims to improve efficiency and management of the service through infrastructure investments.
“Through this project, the Bank will support the Dominican Republic to increase the quality and continuity of drinking water in urban and suburban areas, thereby improving operational efficiency and service,” said Javier Grau Benaiges, IDB project team leader.
Some components of the project include implementing better pumping systems, network sectorization and pipe replacement, among others.
Over the last few years, the continuity of drinkable water supply services in the area has been impacted by population growth in “peri-urban” areas, due to increased immigration from other areas of the country.
The loan is for 25 years with a grace period of 5.5 years and an interest rate based on LIBOR.