The government and the World Bank came to an agreement for the implementation of an ambitious project for the construction of potable water, sewage and garbage collection systems and infrastructure in resort areas nationwide. The project has a price tag of US$120 million of which most would be funded by the multilateral organization. A first phase of the project is slated to benefit Puerto Plata. The Technical Secretary of the Presidency Temístocles Montás traveled to Washington, D.C. where he signed a US$7 million agreement with Orsalia Kalantzopoulous, head of the World Bank for the Caribbean region. The World Bank will be contributing US$5 million, and the Dominican government US$2.55 million to start the program. The program stipulates that the private sector will control the potable water, sewage and garbage collection operations. Similar programs will be implemented in Juan Dolio, Guayacanes, La Romana, Bavaro, Punta Cana, Macao, Samana, Portillo and the National District. (25 April 2000)
