Slowness in the remodeling works in the Colonial Zone causes outrage

Santo Domingo.- The remodeling work in the Ciudad Colonial continues to generate complaints among drivers, residents, and visitors, due to the prolonged closure of streets, the delay in the works, and the current state of the roads that look impassable. During a tour conducted by De Último Minuto, it was possible to verify that many sections remain open, with trenches, debris, and construction materials in plain sight, which complicates the passage of pedestrians and vehicles, in addition to raising dust clouds that affect the health of those who frequent the area. Public transport drivers report that their income has significantly decreased, as passengers have stopped frequenting the area due to the chaos and deterioration.

“My economy has been reduced by almost 40%, and we are heading towards a financial cataclysm. They have been at this for three years and it's not ending. People don't want to come, and we are the most affected. We want solutions,” said Raúl Martínez, who has been working as a driver on route 17 for 28 years.

For his part, Víctor Vizcaino, who resides in this part of Santo Domingo, expressed that at night one cannot be in the area near Las Mercedes street due to the stench of fecal matter. "What is being experienced in the Colonial Zone is disastrous, the stenches affect health," revealed Vizcaino.

Neighbors and merchants have also joined the complaints, pointing out that sales have decreased and that the atmosphere in the Colonial City has ceased to be attractive for tourism and daily life.

About the rehabilitation program

The Government has been implementing the Integral Program for Tourist and Urban Development of the Colonial City since 2022, with which some 2,400 meters of streets and sidewalks have been intervened.

This initiative is executed by the Ministry of Tourism through its Program Coordinating Unit (UCP) and in conjunction with the National District City Hall (ADN) and the Ministry of Culture (MINC) and the project is carried out with funds from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the participation of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the National District City Hall.