In a significant move to safeguard its agricultural interests, the Dominican Republic has initiated a major infrastructure project in the border region of Dajabón. President Luis Abinader personally inaugurated the construction of a new water intake structure alongside the comprehensive rehabilitation of the La Vigia canal. This strategic development is specifically engineered to counteract the hydrological impact of a canal constructed by Haiti on the Massacre River, which had previously threatened the stability of Dominican farming operations in the area.
Olmedo Caba, Director of the National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI), provided technical details regarding the project. The revitalized La Vigia canal now features an advanced intake system equipped with dual electric pumps, each capable of moving 12,000 gallons of water per minute. This infrastructure enhancement ensures reliable water access for agricultural producers and demonstrates INDRHI’s commitment to providing ongoing technical and operational support to the region’s farming community.
Caba further revealed that the Don Miguel dam project has reached completion readiness, describing it as a critical component for achieving long-term water security for both agricultural and population needs in Dajabón. The newly inaugurated water management system extends its benefits beyond La Vigia to multiple irrigation canals throughout the region, including Veterano 0 and 1, Don Pedro, Finca 28, Caño Frío, and El Coco. The comprehensive plan includes the development of new wells to sustain agricultural activities during periods of drought, ensuring year-round farming capability in this strategically important border zone.