Santiago de los Caballeros

Santiago de los Caballeros is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, and its metropolitan area is the fifth largest in the Caribbean. Rapid and disorganized urbanization and physical expansion have led to an increase in informal settlements that are poorly or illegally connected to official infrastructure and services. These communities are at greater risk from the flooding that threatens the city every year, and the city has taken initial steps to identify neighborhoods that require drinking water and waste management.

In addressing this challenge, Santiago de los Caballeros hopes to build on the successes it has achieved in developing earthquake preparedness plans in formal settlements. Efforts to improve equitable access to resources have also extended to social services, particularly around the reduction of domestic violence.