"Yes, I agree, although regardless, if the military entities in charge of monitoring and guarding the border limits are not improved, the wall will not make a big difference.".
SANTO DOMINGO.- Most representatives of the real estate sector approve of the construction of the border wall, which began to be erected in the border province of Dajabón, although many understand that this measure in no way represents the solution to the problems that have historically confronted the two countries.
According to a group of representatives from the sector, consulted via WhatsApp, the construction of the fence should be accompanied by efficient control and surveillance by the military personnel stationed there and in areas where there are blind spots.
Last Sunday, President Luis Abinader traveled to that province in the Northwest of the Dominican Republic to inaugurate the construction of the smart fence, which is expected to be completed in nine months, at an estimated cost of 1.75 billion pesos; and which is intended to regulate cross-border migratory and commercial flows.
“Yes, I agree. As long as there is proper control and supervision, human trafficking would be greatly mitigated,” said Roberto Carlos Jorge, a trust expert at the company FIDEMIX.
“A wall on the border is necessary to control what comes in and out. I just hope it's not another publicity stunt like the ones we've come to expect from governments in recent years. We agree on the entire border. Of course, we shouldn't be fooled. This will increase the cost of trafficking people and goods. The wall alone isn't enough. We have to monitor the personnel stationed there,” declared engineer Rafael Durán of SBDS Investments.
“I don’t think that will solve the problem of Haitian migration to the Dominican Republic,” said real estate advisor Wendy Gómez, of The Wendy Gómez Team.
“This type of construction exists in every problematic border. Examples include Mexico and the USA…Israel and Palestine. It existed in old Germany, etc.,” said Bienvenido Paulino of Plusval Direct Sales.
“I agree with anything that means security for the country,” responded Fermín Acosta of Crisfer. “I disagree, because I don’t think it’s the solution,” stated Patricia Coiscou, CEO of Porta Properties.
“The island of Hispaniola is home to two nations with completely different economic, social, environmental, and health conditions. Dominicans who have emigrated to many countries have had to comply with numerous legal requirements in those countries, as is the case everywhere in the world. We know that in the US, for example, there is a large diaspora, and every Dominican must comply with the laws there. Therefore, we agree with the establishment of clear regulations in the area of immigration. We understand that the wall is timely and that it is a right we have as a nation. We understand that we must establish clear conditions and require all foreigners to comply with Dominican laws; we see this as appropriate,” stated Eliseo Cristhoper, president of the Dominican Confederation of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Construction Companies (COPYMECON).
He added that such a wide border without controls is not a border at all, and that Haiti is synonymous with disorder in terms of drug trafficking, weapons, and other illicit activities. “Imagine a house without doors; that’s what the Dominican borders are like. We believe the wall is very timely,” he added.
“Yes, I agree, although regardless, if the military entities in charge of monitoring and guarding the border limits are not improved, the wall will not make a big difference,” noted Rita Castillo, CEO of BesthouseRD.
“Of course,” replied engineer David de la Cruz. “Yes, although it doesn’t end there. Controls will have to be increased with military patrols because there will be blind spots,” according to Alberto Bernadó of Larimar Home.
“Yes, I agree,” emphasized engineer Pedro Oguis of Élite Ingeniería. “I completely agree, although deep down I don’t think it’s the solution to the border problem,” replied Hayrold Jiménez of Algonovo Real Estate.
“I think that wall would be useless because in some parts of the border it cannot be built and the same thing would happen as in Mexico, it would be a bad investment,” said Cesarina Abreu (Rubi), from KW Premium.
What is the fence about?
The border wall will consist of 160 kilometers of physical fencing, made up of a reinforced concrete wall and a metal structure 3.90 meters high. It will also include 170 surveillance and control towers, as well as 71 access gates.
The first phase will consist of 54 kilometers with 19 watchtowers, 10 access gates, and 54 patrol roads, and will be built in nine months with an investment of over RD$1.75 billion. A second phase will be put out to tender during the second half of this year.
“This is a fence that will benefit both countries because it will allow us to control bilateral trade, regulate migration flows to combat human trafficking mafias, confront drug trafficking and the illegal sale of weapons, as well as protect the livestock and crops of cattle ranchers and agricultural producers. With this, we will combat in different ways the organized crime that has sought to establish its base of operations along the border of both countries, so the benefit for both nations will be of great importance,” the president argued.
