In San José de las Matas, President Luis Abinader inaugurated the El Rubio–Los Corocitos. The project, built by the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (Egehid), represents an investment of RD$844,615,013.15 and covers a length of 13.2 kilometers, in addition to access roads to various communities in the area.
The president highlighted the importance of the new road for the development of the communities in La Sierra and stated that the project responds to a historical need of the residents of this area.
He explained that the intervention is part of a policy aimed at bringing infrastructure projects to communities located near dams and watersheds, in recognition of their contributions to the country's water and energy production.
“We are doing what is right for the province of Santiago and La Sierra, to give back what was not done for many years,” Abinader said, after recalling the importance of Santiago to the national economy, noting that the province concentrates more than 10% of the country's population and contributes about 15% of the gross domestic product.
The governor emphasized that the new road will contribute to improving the mobility of residents, facilitating the transport of agricultural products and expanding access to essential services, generating better conditions for the economic and social development of the area.
A comprehensive upgrade
Egehid's general manager, Rafael Salazar, reported that the work was not limited to the placement of asphalt, but also included the finishing of the road surface, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, culverts, headwalls, dissipators, gabion walls, slope cuts, and longitudinal and transverse rainwater drainage systems.
He said the solutions were necessary due to the steep slopes, landslides, and traffic difficulties that occurred during rainy periods. “Our commitment is not just to do the work, but to do it right,” the official stated, urging authorities, community watch groups, and residents to take care of the road and contribute to its upkeep.
He specified that the institution has inaugurated over 20 projects in La Sierra, after indicating that work continues on other roads in the area, including those corresponding to Pananao and Los Corrales, and raised the need to widen several bridges that currently have only one lane, with the aim of strengthening the safety of the La Sierra road circuit.
Community members appreciate the impact of the project
The mayor of the El Rubio municipal district, Ivanova Ramos, stated that for years the residents of Corocito considered it unlikely that a project of this magnitude could be carried out in the community, noting that the investment represents a recognition of La Sierra's contributions to water and energy production and requesting the continuation of the rehabilitation of the pending roads.
Community leader Johanny Rodríguez stated that the road puts an end to the isolation that had affected Corocito for years and highlighted the government's closeness to the communities.
The community member explained that the previous conditions made it difficult to transport agricultural products, for students to attend school, and for people to move around during emergencies. Rodríguez praised the road as a contribution to the area's progress, health, education, and opportunities.
The event was attended by the provincial senator, Daniel Rivera; the mayor of San José de las Matas, Alfredo Reyes; and the deputy Braulio Espinal, among other personalities.
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