The Dominican government has funded a major wastewater treatment plant as part of the first phase of the ambitious Cabo Rojo Tourism Development Project, on the idyllic Cabo Rojo beach.
Pedernales, located in the most southwestern province on the border with Haiti, is the country’s next up- and-coming tourism destination. It already has received its first cruise ships. Nine resorts are planned with the first two expected to open in 2025. The project contemplates also an international airport and internal roads.
The state-of-the-art facility will enable 100% water utilization. It will employ advanced “activated sludge” technology. The facility is fitted to process wastewater from hotels, the port, airport, any golf course and more.
According to Ángel Mercedes, the technical office head of the company overseeing the project, the treated wastewater will be repurposed for fertilizer and irrigation in agricultural areas. “The goal is to reuse the treated water for irrigation and crops, such as those on the golf course and in gardens,” Mercedes explained. “This ensures that the Cabo Rojo project is developed in an environmentally friendly manner.”
The plant is designed to meet both national and international environmental standards, and its construction is already 85% complete. Upon full operation, the facility will generate significant economic benefits for both hotels and farmers by reducing the need for water and fertilizer purchases. Moreover, it will contribute to a smaller carbon footprint through the use of a local utility terrain vehicle (UTV) system.
“We’re thrilled to be implementing this advanced wastewater treatment technology in the Dominican Republic,” said Mercedes. “It has a positive impact on the environment and aligns perfectly with the project’s eco-friendly nature.”
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Listin Diario
10 eptember 2024