Santiago de los Caballeros faces rapid urban growth and infrastructure needs

Santiago de los Caballeros is experiencing rapid urban expansion, with its urban footprint increasing from approximately 5% to 14% of its territory over the last six years. This growth has expanded the city's urban area from 90 to 138 square kilometers, prompting government officials to call for an urgent update to the Municipal Territorial Planning Plan (PMOT), which has not been modified since 2019.

To address infrastructure needs, President Luis Abinader announced a planned investment of approximately RD$9,000 million for the expansion of the Cibao Central Aqueduct. The project, scheduled to begin in 2027 with an estimated 24-month execution period, aims to increase potable water supply for Santiago and surrounding communities, including Licey al Medio, Tamboril, and Espaillat.

In addition to water security, regional development efforts include road infrastructure improvements such as the Autovía del Ámbar and the rehabilitation of the Circunvalación Norte and Navarrete bypass. Environmental and social projects, such as the transformation of the Gurabo stream into a linear park, are also part of the ongoing regional transformation.