The executive director of the Comité Técnico Interinstitucional del Sector Agua Potable y Saneamiento, Leonardo Mercedes, told the press that despite having invested over RD$8,000 million throughout the past five years to resolve the potable water problem in the Dominican Republic, authorities have been unsuccessful. He said that the paternalistic focus that has prevailed within the government has impeded a definite solution. He said that the Fernández government will invite private business to become involved in the supply of potable water, seeking more operational efficiency. He hopes that the participation of business will bring a new kind of competitiveness that will guarantee the population adequate levels of quality/quantity. Under this business model, the production and supply of potable water will be self-financed. The Instituto Nacional de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (INAPA), the government organization that oversees potable water aqueducts, reportedly loses RD$20 million a month. Furthermore, the Corporación de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Santo Domingo, the potable water authority of the city of Santo Domingo, does not bill 40% of the water delivered, and does not receive 28% of the water billed.
