Coraasan water and sanitation infrastructure projects

The Santiago Aqueduct and Sewerage Corporation (Coraasan) has initiated several large-scale infrastructure projects in the Santiago province of the Dominican Republic.

In late August, the corporation announced a hydraulic works program exceeding RD$15 billion. This program focuses on strengthening potable water supply and sanitation through the rehabilitation and construction of various aqueducts, such as the Pastor, San Francisco de Jacagua, and La Barranquita systems, alongside the building of nine storage tanks. During this period, former director Silvio Durán highlighted concerns regarding water loss, noting that approximately 70% of production is “unaccounted water” due to a lack of individual water meters.

By mid-September, Coraasan expanded its operations to include wastewater infrastructure upgrades. This initiative involves intervening in more than 50 roads, including major avenues like Juan Pablo Duarte and 27 de Febrero, with an investment of approximately 60 million pesos. The project includes the installation of over 500 manhole covers—using iron with resin or fiberglass depending on traffic levels—to prevent solid waste from entering the sewage network and to protect vehicles from road damage.

In mid-September, Coraasan implemented specific technical upgrades, including the installation of a new 85 HP pumping unit at the ‘Pozo de Chepe’ in San Francisco de Jacagua. Costing approximately two million pesos, the unit has a capacity of 150 gallons per minute and is designed to restore service to high-altitude sectors.

Additionally, director Andrés Cueto highlighted a planned RD$9,000 million expansion of the Cibao Central Aqueduct, as announced by President Luis Abinader. The project aims to increase the aqueduct’s capacity from 6.5 to 8 cubic meters per second to support urban and economic growth in Santiago, Licey al Medio, Puñal, and Tamboril, while strengthening supply to the La Dura water treatment plant and Espaillat province.