Medina cuts ribbon on promised dam in the west

San Juan de la Maguana,Dominican Republic.- President Danilo Medina looked pleased on Thursdaywhen he cut the ribbon for the Palma Sola Dam at the village Carrera de Yegua inSan Juan province (west), designed to irrigate nearly 2,500 hectares (38,870 tareas) ofarea farms.

Speaking briefly with reporters Medina announcedconstruction of a dam at Los Limones, requested by the inhabitants at the inauguralceremony.

He said the Palma Sola dam will lift many people out ofpoverty, because farmers will now have water to plant and harves.

The earthen dam, promised by Medina in a surprise visit tothe area in March 2013, will supply drinking water to 5,415 people, and to cropsand livestock. It includes a spillway and a 1,900 meter-long intake interconnectionchannel.

The project includes fish ponds to raise tilapia and carp,to benefit 2,000 families.