Residential Area In The Duarte Highway Affected By Metro Works

In spite of efforts by the Office for the Reordering of Transportation (Opret) to construct line 2-C of the Santo Domingo Metro with the agreement of the affected landowners, residents of the Villa Peravia neighborhood, which is located near kilometer 12 of the Duarte highway, are dissatisfied with the agreement, Diario Libre reported.

The dilemma generated by the placement of a column nearly in the middle of the sole street at their entrance has brought the neighbors together to seek a solution. Although they claim that the authorities have not taken any action, they were shown the entrance's proposed design.

One of the neighborhood council's leaders, Rosa Hernández, stated that they have attempted to contact the engineer in charge of that section but he does not respond. "They presented us with the design, but they haven't done anything and when we call the engineer he doesn't answer," she claimed.

According to Opret, the column or support being built will not have an impact on the residential area's entry because it will be the same size and diameter as the sector's entrance islet.

Another issue brought on by the construction is that the residents' access to drinking water has been cut off for more than three weeks and must now be provided by tanker trucks. This is a major concern for the residents.

Hernández stated that because they are impacted and their complaints go unanswered, they are preparing to "stop the work." The community leader announced, "We are preparing to paralyze these works."

In general, individuals who will be impacted by the construction of the Metro to Los Alcarrizos express support and are motivated by their support for the nation's development. Some claim that the acquisition of their properties has fallen short of their expectations, while others are satisfied.

Opret has been working with the affected individuals through meetings for more than a year. In particular, Opret has negotiated with the majority of the property owners along the route from the Enriquillo neighborhood to the entrance of Los Alcarrizos.

According to Opret, it has so far given tenants and owners 70% of the relevant payments, and negotiations are currently taking place for the remaining land.