Dominican president distributes stoves to replace wood fires in Santiago

President Luis Abinader led the second delivery of the "Cambio de Fogones por Estufas" social program in the Santiago province of the Dominican Republic.

The initiative, managed by the Dirección de Asistencia Social y Alimentación Comunitaria (Dasac), aims to replace traditional wood-burning stoves with modern cooking appliances in vulnerable communities. The government plans to reach more than 9,400 households across various municipalities, including Hato del Yaque, Baitoa, and San José de las Matas.

Abinader stated that the program promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the need for firewood, which helps prevent deforestation and protects the country's water resources. Edgar Féliz, the director of Dasac, explained that the policy seeks to eliminate the physical strain on homemakers who previously had to collect plant fuel for cooking. Beyond providing stoves, the program distributes raw food rations and household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and fans.

The project also includes repairing homes damaged by fires or extreme weather events.