SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic Senate has approved two international financing agreements totaling US$600 million aimed at advancing climate resilience initiatives and expanding water and sanitation infrastructure in the Punta Cana-Bávaro region, one of the country’s most important tourism and economic hubs.
The legislative approval includes a US$200 million loan from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), which will provide budgetary support for government programs focused on strengthening climate action policies and enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
Senators also authorized a US$400 million financing package for the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The resources will be allocated to the third phase of the Punta Cana-Bávaro Sanitation and Wastewater Reuse Program in La Altagracia province.
Government officials said the project is designed to improve public health conditions, safeguard vital groundwater resources, and expand access to reliable drinking water services throughout the rapidly developing eastern region. The initiative also seeks to increase wastewater treatment and reuse capacity, supporting sustainable growth in Punta Cana as tourism arrivals and residential development continue to rise.
The financing reflects the Dominican Republic’s broader strategy of investing in environmental sustainability and infrastructure modernization to meet the demands of population growth and maintain the competitiveness of its tourism sector.
Once approved by the Senate, the agreements will be forwarded to President Luis Abinader and the Executive Branch for final consideration and implementation, marking another step in the government’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve essential public services nationwide.
