The government has begun work on the 2nd phase of the northwestern region multiple aqueduct, at a cost of more than US$90 million. The project will benefit approximately 800,000 families in Valverde, Mao, and the provinces of Santiago Rodriguez, Monte Cristi and Dajabon, as well as the municipality of Navarrete in Santiago Province. Listin Diario reports that President Fernandez was present at the groundbreaking ceremony, which was blessed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Mao-Monte Cristi, Msgr. Tomas Abreu Herrera. Provincial Governor Domingo Colon spoke during the 40-minute ceremony, as well as Brazilian Ambassador Ronaldo Dunlup; the mayor of Navarrete, Amantina Gomez, and the Executive Director of the National Tap Water Institute (INAPA), Victor Diaz Rua. The project is being built by Brazilian consortium Odebrech and its final phase will supply water to different communities in Valverde Province.