Capacity Building for Water and Wastewater Operators in the Dominican Republic

Strengthening Capacity Building in the Dominican Water Sector

The Dominican Republic, like many countries, faces operational and infrastructure challenges in drinking water supply and wastewater management. Utilities must continuously strengthen technical skills, improve operational performance, and enhance administrative management to ensure reliable service delivery.

This project focuses on comprehensive capacity building for water operators, wastewater operators, technicians, and administrative staff, supporting nearly 250 professionals across multiple regions.

Key Training Areas

The program enhances competencies in:

• Operation and maintenance of drinking water systems
• Wastewater collection and treatment management
• Reservoir operation and network performance
• Administrative and commercial water management
• Public sector governance and reporting

By reinforcing frontline expertise, the initiative directly strengthens the performance and sustainability of water and wastewater services.

A Context-Driven Approach to Capacity Building

During the initial phase, Watura conducted:

• Detailed training needs assessments
• Participant selection
• Logistical coordination
• On-site infrastructure visits

Field assessments were essential to align the training content with the actual technical environment faced by water operators and wastewater operators in the Dominican Republic. This ensured practical relevance and immediate applicability.

International Expertise Combined with Local Academic Partnerships

Training sessions are delivered by French and international experts—fully Spanish-speaking and experienced in the region—alongside faculty from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM).

Technical Modules for Water and Wastewater Operators

Core technical topics include:

• Non-revenue water reduction
• Drinking water network operation and maintenance
• Wastewater system management
• Reservoir and infrastructure performance optimization

Management and Governance Modules

National training institutes provide complementary modules in:

• Strategic planning
• Public sector accounting
• Occupational health and safety
• Technical documentation and reporting

This dual technical and managerial approach ensures long-term institutional strengthening.

Digital Learning to Expand Capacity Building Nationwide

A major innovation of the project is the deployment of a customized online learning platform for INAPA.

The platform provides access to more than 40 Spanish-language courses, enabling water operators and wastewater operators to:

• Train remotely
• Learn flexibly and continuously
• Strengthen skills beyond in-person sessions

This blended learning model—combining classroom and digital training—ensures that capacity building reaches even remote territories.

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

This initiative contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Strengthening water and wastewater operator capacity improves service reliability and infrastructure sustainability.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Building technical expertise reinforces resilient water infrastructure.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between INAPA, AFD, universities, and international experts demonstrates effective multilateral cooperation.

Building Sustainable Water Services Through Capacity Development

Through this initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), Watura supports long-term capacity building in the Dominican water sector, bringing training closer to operational realities.

By empowering water operators and wastewater operators with practical, relevant, and accessible learning tools, the project strengthens the essential public services that communities rely on every day.

Capacity building is not just about training — it is about building resilient systems through skilled professionals.