It argues that the lack of technical studies, the indiscriminate use of filters, and the accumulation of garbage in stormwater systems are key factors in urban flooding.
SANTO DOMINGO. Sanitary engineer Raymond Martínez warned that the floods that frequently affect urban areas of the country are due to the lack of adequate stormwater solutions, poor execution of works , and the accumulation of garbage in drainage systems.
His statements came during a technical tour of affected areas of Greater Santo Domingo, in the wake of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has flooded various parts of the country.
Martínez explained that many cities have been built without considering the natural behavior of water. He pointed out that by sealing the ground with asphalt and concrete, the hydrological cycle is disrupted , forcing the design of systems to channel or infiltrate rainwater. “When you build cities, you have to build stormwater drainage systems to capture the rainwater and channel it to the sea, the river, or the ravine,” he stated.
Improper use of filters
The expert criticized the widespread use of drainage systems without prior technical studies. He asserted that many municipalities construct these systems without analyzing the soil's infiltration capacity , leading to their collapse in a short time. "A drainage system can't be built haphazardly. It requires stratigraphy and a filtration test," he warned.
Martínez indicated that this practice has spread to areas like Naco and Piantini, where the drainage systems are unable to handle the volume of water they receive. In contrast, areas like Punta Cana, where the soil allows for high infiltration, exhibit more efficient drainage during rainfall.
Litter and lack of maintenance
Another key factor in the collapse of stormwater systems is the accumulation of trash. Martínez pointed out that many drains are clogged with solid waste , preventing water from flowing to its natural destinations. “The existing solutions are all overwhelmed with garbage and debris,” he stated.
The engineer reminded everyone that the municipalities are responsible for maintaining the drainage systems. He recommended that preventative cleanings be carried out before the rainy season and that public awareness campaigns be strengthened to prevent waste from ending up in the streets and ravines.
Design adapted to the local climate
Finally, Martínez emphasized the importance of adapting stormwater management solutions to the rainfall patterns of each region. “It doesn’t rain the same way in Bonao as it does in Santo Domingo. Nor in Pedernales,” he explained. Therefore, he insisted that each city must be studied independently.
The specialist reiterated that the solution to urban flooding does not depend on large investments, but rather on applying basic technical criteria: understanding water behavior, adapting systems to each area, and ensuring their maintenance. "If rainfall is studied, the system is well-designed, and it is kept clean, it will respond," he explained.
