SANTO DOMINGO. The Inter-American Development Bank's Innovation Lab (IDB Lab) and Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic announced the development of a sanitation project that aims to improve access to sewage systems in the province of Montecristi, located in the northwest of the country.
The project “A clean solution to a dirty problem” aims to connect some 200 families to basic sanitation services, a problem that affects 73% of the population nationwide, according to the ENHOGAR 2022 report.
The beneficiaries were chosen through an evaluation and selection process conducted within the community itself, in areas where there is access to the sewer system, but the homes are not connected to it. Carlos, an 84-year-old pensioner, expressed his desire for greater comfort in his life. Now, he enjoys a more dignified home, with an en-suite bathroom connected to the sewer system, providing him with a more comfortable environment for his daily life.
“A clean solution to a dirty problem” involves local stakeholders and is managed through community-based organizations. Alongside this community leadership, three neighborhood federations and/or associations have been identified, and 32 neighborhood councils have been transformed into spokespersons.
A participatory community committee was also formed as part of the actions implemented to achieve a people-centered approach. The initiative aims to train approximately 200 families in financial literacy to better manage their income and reflect improvements in their household sanitation conditions, according to a press release.
This project, already underway, is expected to address urgent household sanitation needs and connect to the sewer system, thereby contributing to the reduction of water source contaminants, the decrease in waterborne diseases, and the inadequate management of waste, improving the quality of life and health of the beneficiary communities, estimated at more than 800 people.
Additionally, it seeks to facilitate access to financing through partnerships with microfinance institutions to support families in this process that will improve their quality of life. The project investment is USD 900,160 (USD 600,000 from IDB Lab and USD 300,160 from Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic).
Through the “Source of Innovation” alliance, this project has the potential to generate an impact on the health and well-being of thousands of people in the province and is potentially scalable in other areas.
Additionally, an agreement has been formalized with the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA), so that, as the body in charge of access to water and sewerage, it creates the lines that allow families to connect, in addition to offering maintenance and repair of the system.
“We are excited to partner with the Inter-American Development Bank Laboratory on this important project,” says Cesarina Fabián, director of Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic.
"We firmly believe in the transformative power of access to basic sanitation and are committed to working together with local communities to improve their living conditions and promote sustainable development through cross-sector partnerships," the executive stated.
