“Imposing more burdens in these circumstances will only worsen the situation and jeopardize thousands of jobs and national housing goals. Aprocovici.
SANTO DOMINGO- Following the increase in fees for private construction inspection services ordered by the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed), the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Promoters (Acoprovi) and the Association of Housing Promoters and Builders of Cibao (Aprocovici) requested the immediate suspension of this measure.
The entities pointed out that this provision, announced by the Directorate of Inspection of Private Works of the ministry, did not have the participation or consensus of the main actors in the construction sector.
Given this situation, both associations raised the need for dialogue in order to establish more balanced costs so as not to affect the industry and Dominican families seeking to acquire a property.
“We reiterate our willingness to work jointly with the authorities and other sectors involved to guarantee a fair and proportional tariff framework that promotes institutional strengthening and the right of Dominicans to decent housing,” stated Acoprovi in a press release.
The institution noted that this new decision has generated concern within the industry due to the impact that the fees would have on obtaining construction licenses and inspection services.
They also emphasized that the construction sector represents one of the main drivers of the national economy, with a direct impact on employment, investment and collective well-being.
“That is why any structural change in its regulation must be carefully considered and discussed with all stakeholders,” they explained.
For his part, Aprocovici warned that this measure comes at a time of "marked contraction" in the sector, which could further aggravate its situation and generate a direct impact.
“We formally call upon the Ministry of Housing and Buildings to immediately reconsider the new fees imposed by the Directorate of Processing, Appraisal and Licenses, both in relation to the procedures of the Single Window for Construction (VUC) and the costs for inspection services,” they stated in their pronouncement.
The entity stated that the fees “represent a significant increase in the operating costs of real estate developers, with impacts ranging from minimum fees of RD$6,000 to values ranging between RD$55,000 and RD$80,000 for inspections, in addition to a new charge of 0.1% on the appraised amount of each project.”
Like Acoprovi, the organization stated that the economic burdens are “disproportionate” and that they did not request the participation of representatives from the sector.
“These increases are excessive, they have no clear legal basis, and we would be forced to transfer these costs directly to the final buyers, affecting the price of housing and increasing barriers to access, especially for the middle and low-cost segments,” declared Sandy Joel Rodríguez, president of Aprocovici.
He also stated that the resolution was announced at a time when the construction industry is experiencing a decrease in sales, increased financial costs, and a slowdown in the pace of new projects in the country.
“Imposing more burdens in these circumstances will only worsen the situation and jeopardize thousands of jobs and national housing goals,” they stated.
Finally, they argued that one of the consequences would be "a paralysis in new housing projects," since, as they stated, it discourages investment and hinders the achievement of the goals of developing decent and affordable housing.
Photo: External source.
