LA ALTAGRACIA- "These three important projects will continue to strengthen tourism development in the area, and represent an investment of RD$202,036,328," declared the head of the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), David Collado, yesterday, as he inaugurated several projects in the eastern tourist hub of the country.
“Each of these projects addresses long-standing demands from the community that we committed to fulfilling. That is why we are here with you,” he declared.
He assured that the works will have a direct impact on strengthening tourism in the province of La Altagracia, which receives the largest number of visitors to the Dominican Republic.
The inauguration of the access to Macao beach consists of the rehabilitation of the two-lane road, 6.00 meters wide, which connects from the Higüey-Macao highway to the access that leads to Macao Beach, over a length of 1.2 kilometers, at a cost of RD$35,957,924.07.
This intervention also includes the construction of sidewalks, curbs, and stormwater drainage.
While the reconstruction of the service infrastructure of the streets surrounding the Basilica of Higüey will have a cost of RD$95,375,124.16.
The project includes an intervention of 362 linear meters of the main road from the central park towards the Basilica of Higüey.
That pilgrimage boulevard is dedicated to the mysteries of the Virgin and Marian faith.
Meanwhile, the repair of the road infrastructure of the municipal district of Verón requires an investment of RD$70,703,280.28.
This intervention involves the reconstruction of the tracks over a length of approximately 4.35 kilometers, with a variable width; divided into two zones in the municipal district of Verón, in the area of Macao and La Jarda.
The Macao area project involves work on 8 track sections, divided into 4 zones. Meanwhile, the work in La Jarda is based on 6 track sections.
Macao Beach
The project also includes the paving of the rehabilitated 1.2 km road, the construction of 2,250 linear meters of side sidewalks, 2,400 linear meters of curbs and 1.50 meters of wide landscaping.
Also included is a solution for rainwater drainage with a system of storm drains and filter wells, as well as the creation of green areas, enhancement of the electrical system and signage.
Basilica of Higüey
The work consists of paving the road; giving greater importance to the sidewalks, in order to develop the Stations of the Cross within it towards a final point such as the Basilica, while also allowing general circulation on both sides.
Additionally, parking areas will be implemented, high and medium voltage electrical wiring will be buried underground, as well as telecommunications and existing wiring.
This entire project will also include the beautification of the road, landscaping, the design of the Monsignor Adolfo Nouel park, and the structure for placing the sacred images to perform the Stations of the Cross.
The project intervention includes paved and poured concrete sidewalks, rainwater drainage (storm drains and filter wells), vertical signage (signs), horizontal signage (reflective thermoplastic paint on lane dividers), landscaping, equipment and lighting.
Transparency Management
Upon inaugurating the new facility, Collado declared that his administration is based “solely” on transparency and the pursuit of benefits for the Dominican Republic.
The head of the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) affirmed that transparency “is non-negotiable.” “I don’t steal, I don’t take commissions, and there are no contracts for friends, cousins, or leaders; for everything, there is a bidding process,” he asserted.
Collado stated that practicing transparent administration “cannot be just talk” and clarified that President Luis Abinader’s government came to the country to “make a difference.”.
Tourism, history and culture
For his part, the mayor of the Verón-Punta Cana Municipal District, La Altagracia province, Ramon Antonio Ramirez (Manolito), explained his desire to present citizens with other tourist attractions beyond the beaches located in the province.
He explained that the development needed by the municipality includes the implementation of photographic murals, museums, and parks; attractions that can demonstrate that, "there is history and not just beach, sand, and sun.".
“We have initiated agreements through public companies to establish photo opportunities, such as murals. Tourists aren't just looking for sun, beach, and sand; they also want to learn about the history of the town they are visiting,” Manolito stated.
He added that among the variety of attractions that Verón seeks to have is the creation of a baseball museum.
“We need to create museums with attractions; we have the Dominican baseball player, for which we are very famous, so why don’t we have a baseball museum?” added the municipal representative.
