SANTO DOMINGO– Annerys Meléndez, president of the Association of Housing Builders and Promoters (ACOPROVI), believes it is important to advance policies that will boost construction, highlighting financing and subsidy mechanisms in the country.
He explained that it is vitally important for the organization to expedite the updating of construction regulations and standards, as this would increase the competitiveness of the sector and of companies with the intention of providing added value.
“There are many issues we are interested in developing to strengthen ourselves. Citizens, the private sector, and the public sector can all collaborate on these,” Meléndez explained to the Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed), Carlos Bonilla, during a business luncheon on the challenges and potential of this industry in the country, organized by the construction industry association.
Both leaders agreed that the country would benefit from closer and more coordinated work between the public and private sectors to reduce the existing housing deficit in the Dominican Republic; and whose figures are currently estimated at one and a half million units.
Meléndez highlighted that various trade associations recently joined forces to promote the development of this industry. A press release from Acoprovi emphasizes that this agreement will also address real estate scams that affect citizens and damage the reputation of companies operating legally.
During lunch with members of Acoprovi, Bonilla addressed the challenges and opportunities in building housing solutions in the country. The official stated that progress is evident in this area, as more than 5,000 building permits and construction projects have been approved in the last four years. He also noted that more than 160,000 low-cost housing units have been approved during this period.
Despite these important results, Bonilla stated that his office is committed to continuing to make progress in further reducing the housing deficit.
Acoprovi was established on March 13, 1997, with its main objective being to regulate and promote the development of the construction and housing industries in the country.
Cover photo: Representatives from Acoprovi and Mivhed during the meeting. (External source).
