They are making an urgent appeal to the relevant authorities to find a comprehensive solution that will allow procedures to flow smoothly and prevent a collapse and possible bankruptcy of a sector vital to the country's development.
SANTO DOMINGO.- Currently, the construction sector faces significant delays in obtaining authorizations and permits, despite being a pillar of the national economy, denounced the Association of Builders of Santo Domingo East (ASCODE) yesterday.
Construction business owners explained that due to poor management at the state level, they are experiencing delays in the construction schedule, increased expenses, higher financing and interest rates, and changes in delivery commitment dates.
In a press release sent to El Inmobiliario, they explain that the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) presents the most problematic scenario, because according to the association, it issues approvals under a temporary decree that does not yet have the character of law and imposes restrictions that hinder the growth of the tourism and real estate sector and lack legal justification or clear regulations.
“The procedures can drag on for more than two years, without concrete solutions or objective approaches. This process should be in accordance with the law; the legal responsibility for issuing the no-objection to land use, as well as approving the density and height of projects, falls to the municipalities,” the entity stated.
They also complained that they lack local and foreign labor.
In the press release, the union states that institutions such as the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed) are experiencing delays in issuing construction permits that range from five months to a year, and are limited in issuing construction licenses in tourist areas, due to the lack of action by Mitur.
“On the other hand, the Ministry of Environment is facing delays of between three and six months, with some cases extending up to ten months,” ASCODE stated.
The Santo Domingo East construction association sees the government's commitment to reducing processing times in public institutions, in order to boost the country's economy, slipping away.
More problems
In addition to the delays in obtaining building permits from public institutions, ASCODE points to another difficulty: “In the city of Santo Domingo Este, especially in areas of greatest growth and vertical development, a new restriction has been implemented: the suspension of concrete pouring after 6:00 PM. This measure hinders the development of one of the fastest-growing areas. The bureaucratic process for pouring concrete is outdated in the face of current needs,” the association stated.
Urgent call
Engineer Riubell Montes de Oca, president of the association, made an urgent appeal to the competent authorities to find a comprehensive solution that will allow procedures to flow smoothly and prevent a collapse and possible bankruptcy of a sector vital to the country's development.
