The initiative includes the restoration of 120 historic facades belonging to both homes and commercial establishments in the Colonial City
SANTO DOMINGO. Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated several projects this Friday aimed at improving living conditions, restoring heritage buildings, and beautifying the urban environment of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.
During a work day in the historic center, Collado launched the Colonial City Housing Improvement Program (Promevi), the Façade Recovery Program and Paint Your City, initiatives that are part of the revitalization actions being carried out in this historic area of the capital.
More than RD$71 million to improve homes
The minister delivered the first batch of Promevi, which initially included 38 homes, but was expanded to 44 units after additional damage was identified in six properties during technical evaluations.
The work carried out in this first group represented an investment of over RD$71 million.
The program includes the comprehensive intervention of 140 homes in the Colonial City, with the purpose of raising the quality of life of its occupants and contributing to the permanence of traditional residents in this important historical center.
The actions cover sectors such as San Antón, Santa Bárbara, San Miguel, San Lázaro and the southern area of the historic center.
Promevi pays special attention to female heads of household, single mothers, the elderly, and people with disabilities, according to the characteristics of the beneficiary population.
What projects does Promevi include?
The interventions include the reconstruction of bathrooms and kitchens, repair of roofs and leaks, renovation of electrical and sanitary installations, replacement of doors and windows, waterproofing and general painting.
When the conditions of the structures require it, structural reinforcement work is also carried out.
The works incorporate measures aimed at improving the adaptation of homes to the effects of climate change. To this end, the work is being carried out according to the criteria established by the EDGE environmental certification, which promotes the efficient use of energy and water, as well as climate resilience measures.
Restoration of historic facades
During the same day, Collado inaugurated the first batch of 60 cases corresponding to the Façade Recovery Program, an intervention that represents an investment of RD$62 million.
The initiative includes the restoration of 120 historic facades belonging to both homes and commercial establishments in the Colonial City.
The work aims to restore the architectural features of the buildings and recover elements that are part of the traditional image of the historic center.
The tasks carried out included the restoration of plasterwork and decorative elements, correction of cracks and holes, application of new coatings and paint, as well as repair work in carpentry and ironwork.
Roofs that have direct contact with the facades are also treated, with the aim of comprehensively preserving the structures being treated.
Paint Your City intervened in 150 properties
Another project delivered was Paint Your City, through which 150 historic facades were renovated with an investment of over RD$16 million.
The proposal is aimed at improving the urban image of the Colonial City and contributing to the enhancement of heritage properties, both residential and commercial.
The work carried out included cleaning surfaces, removing deteriorated paint, sealing cracks, repairing holes and correcting various imperfections present on the walls.
Projects aim to improve the quality of life for residents
Collado highlighted the impact of these interventions on those who live and carry out economic activities in the Colonial City.
"Programs like these that we are starting to implement have a direct and positive impact on people and their quality of life," the minister stated.
The three initiatives are part of the projects developed by the Comprehensive Program for Tourism and Urban Development of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (PIDTUCCSD), executed by the Ministry of Tourism in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and the Mayor's Office of the National District (ADN).
The program is financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and co-financed by the European Union.
The plan includes more than 28 projects to revitalize the Colonial City
The PIDTUCCSD comprises more than 28 projects aimed at boosting the recovery of the historic center from different areas, including urban development, economic activity and cultural tourism.
Its main objectives include the restoration of public spaces and historical monuments, the improvement of living conditions for residents, and the promotion of the local economy.
Likewise, the program seeks to strengthen the management of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, through initiatives aimed at preserving its heritage and promoting its development as a historical, residential, commercial and tourist space.
Interventions in homes, facades and urban spaces are part of this process of transformation of the historic center, where the conservation of heritage is combined with actions aimed at improving the conditions of those who reside and carry out their activities in the area.
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