San Cristóbal communities demand transparency from INAPA regarding millionaire investment in aqueducts
Various representative sectors and community organizations in the province of San Cristóbal have decided to take legal action to demand a detailed accountability report from the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewerage (INAPA). The claim arises due to the lack of tangible results following the investment of more than RD$3.8 billion intended to improve the drinking water supply in the region.
The determination was formalized during an assembly convened by the La Trinitaria Pro Development Foundation (FUNPRO-DET), in which leaders from Haina, Hato Damas, El Ramón-San Francisco, and Nigua participated. During the meeting, César Félix, president of the entity, questioned the management of public funds allocated to water infrastructure projects that, despite the years, have not resolved the service deficiencies in the affected communities.
Irregularities in budget execution
According to the documentation presented by community leaders, there are notable inconsistencies in the financial management of the projects. One example cited is the El Ramón-San Francisco aqueduct, in the municipal district of Hato Damas, whose original contract dated back to 2003 with an initial investment of RD$23.1 million. However, after the approval of nine addenda, the budget skyrocketed to reach the figure of RD$3,803,633,723.57.
It is concerning that, despite the millions in funds allocated for Hato Damas, Bajos de Haina, and Villa Altagracia, residents continue to deal with a critical shortage of drinking water in their homes.
Legal actions and follow-up
After years of fruitless efforts before administrative and judicial bodies, the community representatives have decided to escalate their demand. The key points of the reported financial situation include:
- Investment of RD$1.04 billion allocated to Bajos de Haina.
- Allocation of RD$1.204 billion for the Hato Damas sector.
- Budget of RD$600 million for Villa Altagracia.
With the aim of ensuring transparency, the collected documentation will be delivered to the Institute of Lawyers for the Protection of the Environment (INSAPROMA), a team that will evaluate the legal path to follow before the courts. Likewise, a Coordinating Committee has been formed, made up of seven local organizations, including the Santiago Castro Neighborhood Board Coordinator and the Dominican Federation for the Fight Against Drugs (Fedelucd), to closely monitor the progress of this process and ensure that INAPA’s responses are clear and well-founded.
