Dominican water projects face concerns over local business exclusion

Journalist and lawyer Pedro Jiménez has raised concerns regarding the procurement processes for major water security projects in the Dominican Republic. He warned that current contracting structures for the Hatillo-Santo Domingo project and the Verón-Punta Cana sanitation system may exclude Dominican companies.

The Hatillo-Santo Domingo project, managed by the Corporación del Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Santo Domingo (CAASD) with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has an estimated investment value between US$600 million and US$700 million.

Jiménez emphasized that while foreign investment is welcome, the rules should not prevent local businesses from participating. He argued that these long-term infrastructure projects should prioritize technology transfer, professional training for Dominicans, and the strengthening of national companies.