Sanitation infrastructure failures cause sewage overflows in Dominican Republic and Venezuela

Sanitation infrastructure failures are causing significant public health and logistical issues in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

In the Dominican Republic, sewage overflows have repeatedly contaminated Jiménez Moya Avenue in the Distrito Nacional. Residents report that despite interventions by the Corporación del Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Santo Domingo (Caasd), the sanitary system continues to collapse, causing malodorous and contaminated water to flood high-traffic areas. This recurring issue poses health risks to pedestrians and commuters.

In Venezuela, the collapse of sewage systems in Punto Fijo, Falcón state, has led to the closure of a community health center in the Caja de Agua sector. Residents shuttered the clinic to prevent disease due to sewage overflows that made bathrooms unusable and created nauseating odors. Additionally, in the Puerta Maraven area, wastewater has damaged streets and is impacting local commerce, with residents calling for urgent action from Hidroven and the Carirubana municipality.