MONTE PLATA, Dominican Republic. – The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) along with the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) inaugurated this past July two new water systems inside sugarcane bateyes El Bosque Arriba and La Cerca in the province of Monte Plata.

The water systems were built by BRA and generously financed by the Presbyterian Church-USA. “The water will benefit more than 1500 people who live in extreme poverty with limited access to clean drinking water,” said Ulrick Gaillard, BRA’s CEO. Gaillard added that most affected by drinking contaminated water have been the children and people living with HIV/AIDS for their weak immune system.

Three committees inside the bateyes have also been formed to help protect and maintain the water systems, but also to educate the community about proper hygiene and sanitation, and the importance of consuming clean water for the prevention of diseases.

Cornelius Brading, president of the SDOP expressed great satisfaction for the support his group has provided to build the water systems, and thanked the community for the opportunity to serve them in this small way—but also through this great initiative that will help reduce skin and intestinal-related parasitic ailments, thus contributing to a better quality of life for hundreds of vulnerable children and their families.