SANTO DOMINGO . The president of the Santo Domingo East Builders Association ( ACOSDE ), Riubell Montes de Oca, stated that 2025 has been “a year marked by significant challenges and a slower pace for construction,” due to economic, financial, and regulatory factors that have affected the execution of projects in the municipality.
According to Montes de Oca, the low level of public investment in infrastructure has directly impacted the sector, since "the State continues to be one of the main drivers of construction in the country."
He explained that home investors and buyers have shown greater caution this year , responding to unattractive interest rates and a more demanding economic environment, which has slowed demand and new developments.
Montes de Oca pointed out that the slowness in the processing of projects in institutions such as the municipalities, the Ministry of Environment, the MIVHED and Tourism continues to be "a critical obstacle that delays investment and limits the execution capacity of the builders.".
He indicated that, compared to 2024, the sector's performance has been " significantly lower ," and considered that although an adjustment was expected after the post-pandemic rebound, current pressures have deepened the slowdown.
The president of the association insisted that equitable access to special funds for the purchase and development of housing is essential to revive activity in the sector and boost the local economy.
Progress at ACOSDE
Despite the challenges, Montes de Oca highlighted significant progress within the association he leads. He noted that the organization strengthened its institutional structure, expanded its technical training program, and conducted workshops, productive lunches, and conferences that have benefited builders, engineers, and architects in the municipality.
He reported that special activities were organized with more than 300 participants, which generated new business connections between developers, suppliers, financial institutions and industry professionals.
Montes de Oca also highlighted the alliances established with state entities, banks, real estate guilds and business associations, as well as the presentation to the mayor's office of a project for new urban planning regulations to organize growth and promote vertical construction.
Projections for 2026
The president of ACOSDE stated that next year it will be essential to "reduce financing costs, increase public spending on works and accelerate processing through technology and modern management mechanisms.".
The business leader stated that the association continues to grow and implement actions that provide direct value to construction companies and professionals in Santo Domingo East.
History
The Association of Builders of Santo Domingo East (ACOSDE) was founded on January 9, 2024, during a meeting held with a group of builders and developers from the municipality.
The organization was founded with the goal of unifying the sector and improving its coordination with public and private institutions. It currently has 116 active members and approximately 30 applicants in the membership process.
Since its creation, ACOSDE has promoted technical training, process improvement and the dignification of professional practice, consolidating itself as a reference guild in Santo Domingo East.
