Spanish
The leader of the National Progressive Force (FNP) and deputy of the Central American Parliament, Jesús Batista Suriel, deplored this Sunday the serious crisis facing the infrastructure in the Dominican Republic.
The parliamentarian emphasized the urgent need for political leadership committed to the maintenance and sustainable development of the country's works.
The FNP leader pointed out that "during the last 30 years, we have seen how governments have prioritized the construction of new infrastructure, often unnecessary, instead of taking care of and maintaining existing assets."
He added that this approach has led to the deterioration of key structures, such as the Santo Domingo Metro, which is currently facing operational problems due to the lack of a proper maintenance plan.
The deputy also emphasized that "the main problem is the lack of a long-term vision in infrastructure policies.
"It's not just about building, but about ensuring that these investments last over time. The lack of follow-up and maintenance has resulted in an accumulation of problems that affect both economic development and the social well-being of citizens," he expressed.
Regarding the legacy of past administrations, Batista Suriel, as leader of the FNP, acknowledged that, despite some efforts, "planning and maintenance have been insufficient."
In this regard, he called for the importance of the current leadership to commit to investing in the conservation of what already exists, prioritizing the well-being of the population.
The leader of the National Progressive Force highlighted that "infrastructure is not just a set of physical works; it is the fabric that sustains the development of our nation." In this area, he emphasized that the lack of attention to maintenance has left works in a deplorable state, endangering the safety of citizens and limiting the efficiency of transportation systems.
Likewise, Batista Suriel emphasized the responsibility of governments in the management of rainwater drainage, stating that "central governments must lead with a long-term vision, while local governments must play their role in the implementation of appropriate solutions."
"Collaboration between government levels is, according to him, essential to effectively address this problem that affects so many communities," he said.
Regarding the state of schools and hospitals, the FNP leader emphasized that "they need attention for their maintenance," as the abandonment of these infrastructures perpetuates cycles of poverty and affects the quality of life of citizens.
Regarding the 2020-2030 National Infrastructure Plan, Batista Suriel, leader of the National Progressive Force, stated that "this plan represents a significant advance, but its success will depend on its implementation and monitoring."
He affirmed that it is imperative that it not become another document on the list of unfulfilled promises, urging the establishment of control and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that the projects are executed efficiently.
Finally, the deputy and leader of the FNP concluded his statement by stating that "it is crucial to put aside the politicization of infrastructure maintenance."
He reiterated that the management of our works should be a matter of State, where the well-being of the population is the priority. "Only in this way will we be able to build a more solid and sustainable future for the Dominican Republic," he concluded.
