The resolution is based on articles 193 and 194 of the Constitution of the Dominican Republic.
SANTO DOMINGO.- After months of disputes over the management of urban planning in their territory, the Ministry of the Presidency issued resolution no. MINPRE-2026-01, which authorizes the municipal districts of La Otra Banda and Veron Punta Cana to manage and authorize land use within their respective territorial demarcations, in accordance with current regulations on territorial planning.
This decision puts an end to the conflict that had been brewing for months in both districts of the eastern zone, where the issue generated tension between local authorities and the Higüey city council. Both Verón and La Otra Banda asserted they had a legal basis to operate their own Urban Planning Office and issue building permits, while the Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings insisted on not validating those documents until the corresponding regulations were issued.
According to a press release, the resolution is based on articles 193 and 194 of the Constitution of the Dominican Republic, which establish territorial organization as a key axis for the integral and sustainable development of the country, as well as on Law No. 368-22 on Territorial Planning, Land Use and Human Settlements, and its application regulations approved by Decree No. 486-25.
According to the resolution, the Ministry of the Presidency, after consulting with the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the National Statistics Office (ONE), determined that both municipal districts meet the legal, technical and economic criteria necessary to assume this responsibility.
In particular, through official letter no. MHE-2026-000002, dated January 6, 2026, the Ministry of Finance and Economy certified that Verón–Punta Cana and La Otra Banda fully meet the requirements established in article 24 of Law 368-22, regarding productive, economic and collection capacity, the press release highlights.
The Other Band
With this resolution, La Otra Banda reaches a long-awaited historic milestone. Approximately two years ago, District Director Alexander Rodríguez began the institutional struggle to ensure the community had its own Urban Planning Office.
“It was worth it. When many said it was impossible, we moved forward thinking only of our people,” was the sentiment expressed by the district leadership after the final decision was announced,” said the mayor.
The resolution also provides for immediate notification to the ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Public Works and Communications, Tourism, Energy and Mines, Education, Public Health, Housing, Habitat and Buildings, Finance and Economy, as well as to the ONE, guaranteeing its immediate application.
Resolution MINPRE-2026-01 comes into force upon its publication, marking a turning point in the territorial management of both communities.
