SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government has unveiled a landmark environmental infrastructure project set to transform coastal communities along the nation’s eastern shoreline. President Luis Abinader confirmed this week that a comprehensive sanitation program will commence in March, targeting over 200 kilometers of coastline stretching from Boca Chica to the Verón-Punta Cana region.
Developed through a strategic partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the ambitious initiative represents one of the most significant public health investments in recent Dominican history. The project’s multifaceted approach will modernize sanitation systems, enhance drinking water accessibility, and bolster environmental conservation measures across economically vital coastal districts.
The program specifically targets five key areas: Boca Chica, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey, and the premium tourism corridor of Verón-Punta Cana. These regions serve as critical economic engines for the Dominican Republic, hosting numerous resorts, commercial enterprises, and residential communities. President Abinader characterized the initiative as a transformative effort that would revolutionize public health infrastructure while protecting delicate coastal ecosystems.
Approximately one million residents and visitors are projected to benefit from the upgraded infrastructure, which aims to address long-standing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development goals. The collaboration with IDB brings international technical expertise and financing to ensure the project meets both national standards and global best practices in environmental management.
This coastal sanitation program forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change while supporting the growing tourism sector that contributes significantly to the national economy.