CLIMA Adapt - Climate Risk Reduction Program

USAID/DR will use funds to enhance activities related to potable water provision, distribution, recollection, and treatment in communities at risk in Santiago and Las Terrenas.

Proposed solutions include developing constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, improving the potable water distribution systems including sewage connections, and establishing solid waste collection and recycling programs to improve drainage operations at the neighborhood level.

The programs will provide Disaster Risk Reduction training to participants and promote the planting of natural barriers (such as bamboo and trees) in riverbeds to reduce erosion and prevent mud slides, reducing the risk of catastrophic damage to WASH infrastructure.

Youth and women will be engaged in all aspects of the projects, and eventually some will go on to work as plumbers in the community and help maintain the system, thereby earning additional earn income.