Santo Domingo. – The price of 6 pesos per cubic meter of drinking water in Greater Santo Domingo is up to 50 percent less when compared to the amount paid by residents in provinces and municipalities such as Santiago, La Vega, Puerto Plata, Moca and Boca Chica, where it rises 19.10, 12, 10, 15 and 17.42 pesos, respectively.
This was revealed by the director of the Santo Domingo Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CAASD), engineer Felipe Suberví, during his participation in a meeting with the members of the Santo Domingo Economic and Social Development Council (Codessd), where he added that still With the price so low, only 28% of those who are clients of the entity pay for the service.
The price of water
According to a comparative table presented by Suberví, Santiago is the area of the country with the most expensive drinking water, where the Santiago Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CORAASAN) bills per cubic meter at the residential level at RD$19.10, at RD$19.16 at the commercial level. , while for industries it comes out to 47.55. In the case of the aqueducts of La Vega, Puerto Plata, Boca Chica and Moca, the residential, commercial and industrial prices are RD$12.64, RD$17.78 and RD$26.55, the first, RD$10, RD$12 and RD$12, the second, RD$17.42, RD$21.35 and RD$44.60, the third and RD$15, RD$17 and RD$19 the municipality of the Espaillat province.
While the territory of Greater Santo Domingo managed by the CAASD, the liquid only costs resident and commercial clients 6 pesos, while industrial clients 10 pesos, amounts that contrast with the average of other corporations that range between RD$14.83, RD$18.86 and RD$29.94 in the aforementioned categories by type of service users.
In the case of water billed by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewage (INAPA), the price is 10 pesos for residential customers, and 12 pesos for commercial and industrial customers.
Likewise, the engineer highlighted that the cost of producing drinking water is higher than the price charged to users, which is why the State significantly subsidizes this service. “However, only 28% of the 400 thousand CAASD clients pay for water in Greater Santo Domingo.”
“Of that 28% that pays for water, 80% are industries and businesses, and the other 20% are residences, middle class, upper class. It is good to note that a cubic meter of water in Greater Santo Domingo only costs 6 pesos. There are many challenges that remain, we have made a lot of progress and we continue to advance in this process of restructuring the issue,” he expressed.
Modern Monitoring Center
Fellito Suberví highlighted the impact that the new and modern monitoring center will have on efficiency, which, for the first time in the history of the institution, will allow permanent control of the facilities and the drinking water distribution network.
“This modern system will optimize pumping times, manage resources efficiently, save energy and reduce intervention costs, in addition to reducing leaks and non-revenue water,” said the official during his speech at the Codessd dialogue.
Living spaces
In another order, Fellito detailed the progress in stormwater and sanitary sanitation of various ravines, benefiting more than 1.8 million inhabitants in Greater Santo Domingo. To date, 16.5 km of sanitation have been delivered, with the projection of completing an additional 17 km next year.
Among the most significant works is the cleanup of 1.5 km of the Tiradentes ravine in Cristo Rey, which benefits more than 350 thousand inhabitants and where the Cristo Park boulevard has been built.
Suberví emphasized that efficient water management and sanitation are fundamental pillars for the sustainable growth and well-being of the Dominican population. “Access to drinking water is an essential human right, and in the CAASD “We are committed to guaranteeing that every citizen can enjoy this resource,” he stated.
CAASD Challenges
The official also addressed the challenges faced by CAASD in the provision of water services, emphasizing the need to invest in modern infrastructure to ensure universal access to drinking water.
Suberví stressed the relevance of citizen participation in water management. “Education and awareness about the responsible use of the resource are key to achieving long-term sustainability. It is essential that communities get involved in the protection and conservation of water,” he indicated.
The dialogue also allowed us to explore the need to strengthen collaboration between different sectors. “Cooperation between the public and private sectors and civil society is essential to address current challenges in water management,” he stated.
He called on all actors to work together in the search for innovative and effective solutions.
Finally, Suberví congratulated the Codessd board, especially its president Samuel Sena, for the initiative to organize these dialogues, stating that “this space is vital to encourage discussion on relevant topics and find solutions that benefit the entire society.”
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