Abinader defends dismissals at Opret and ETED following national blackout

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader described as “appropriate and due changes” the dismissals made in the Office for the Reordering of Transportation (Opret) and the Dominican Electric Transmission Company (ETED), after the general blackout that affected the country last week. During his weekly meeting with the press La Semanal, the president responded to questions about whether these substitutions will solve the structural problems of the electrical system. Abinader maintained that his government continues to implement plans to strengthen the sector, but considered the movements in both institutions necessary. By decree 652-25, issued on Sunday, November 16, the ruler removed Rafael Santos Pérez as director of Opret. The measure was taken after the Santo Domingo Metro remained out of service for about five hours during the blackout, while its 40-megawatt backup plant did not go into operation. Santos had explained that the equipment was in "deep maintenance."

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His position was assumed by Jhael Isa Tavárez, who will continue honorifically at the head of the Trust for the Development of the Mass Transportation System (Fitram). In the case of the ETED, Abinader ordered, through decree 653-25, the designation of Antonio Alfonso Rodríguez Tejada as general administrator of the entity. The rule also annuls the article that had appointed Martín Robles to the position in 2020, leaving him without functions. The dismissals occur amidst growing demands from various sectors, who demanded accountability for the chaos generated by the paralysis of the Metro, the Cable Car, and other essential services during the blackout.