DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Add climate change to the planting of high rises where there were tree-filled patios of single residences, and the widespread construction in Santo Domingo and you get a capital city that becomes Venice whenever there is a passing tropical wave.

Recent event, and many others in modern memory, have revealed the very urgent need for an efficient system of storm drainage. Years ago, a family drowned in an underpass as a result of poor drainage. More recently, the collapse of walls affected major roads in Santiago and the National District, causing deaths and economic hardship.

Given this reality, the National Congress has assigned funds to begin a program of storm drains for the National District in the 2025 budget.

Urban planner Marcos Barina and civil engineer Martin Melendez talked to reporters from El Caribe about the issues. In the first place, it...