Santiago without water since December 25 generates indignation in the province. More than 800,000 residents of Santiago and Moca have been without potable water supply for days, aggravating health problems during Christmas. The breakdown in a main pipeline of the Cibao Central waterworks, in Sabana Iglesia, paralyzes daily life.
Opposition leaders pointed out as responsible
The provincial president of Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) in Santiago, Demóstenes Martínez, member of the Political Direction, attributes the chaos to the lack of maintenance. The pipeline, with 30 years of age, had been previously denounced for leaks. Martínez criticizes the Corporación del Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Santiago (CORAASAN) and the Instituto Nacional de Aguas Potables y Alcantarillados (INAPA) for ignoring technical alerts.
“Water is a fundamental right. Families do not cover basic needs”, declared Martínez. This incident reflects negligence in the management of hydraulic infrastructure, according to FP.
Urgent measures in the face of the health crisis
Impact on hospitals and businesses
The engineer Hamlet Otáñez, expert in sanitation of FP, qualifies this as urban and health crisis. Hospitals, schools, and businesses operate in precarious conditions. “Santiago without water since December 25 paralyzes the city in high-demand season”, warned Otáñez. Vulnerable communities suffer more, with risks of diseases due to lack of hygiene.
Historically, Santiago faces water deficits. In 2023, similar droughts affected 40% of households, according to INAPA data. Experts estimate that provisional repairs could take days, while the pipeline requires total replacement due to its obsolescence.
- Hospitals ration water for surgeries and patients.
- Businesses close due to impossibility of operating.
- Families rely on expensive water tank trucks.
Official explanations demanded
FP demands urgent measures for vulnerable sectors and a definitive solution. Communities that previously alerted about deterioration without response. This urban and health crisis puts public health at risk in the second city of the country.
Santiago without water since December 25 is not isolated: it reveals chronic failures in the system. FP insists on accountability to avoid repetitions and guarantee basic dignity to the affected.
