SANTO DOMINGO– The 8th National Housing Roundtable concluded with presentations and discussions on best practices and the need for the Dominican Republic to embrace sustainable construction practices. The event, convened by the Association of Housing Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI), brought together key players in the country's construction sector.
During the event, which was attended by President Luis Abinader,
the Dominican Republic's first Sustainable Construction Guide was launched. This document, developed in collaboration with ACOPROVI and the Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources (MIMARENA), aims to promote a standard for
infrastructure construction that minimizes environmental impact.
Annerys Meléndez, president of the trade association, said that 88% of the country's construction projects are residential. "This puts us in a prime position to contribute lasting solutions that benefit the community, businesses, and local natural resources. This forum allows us to find common ground for the challenges we face as companies and representatives of the various productive sectors," she stated.
Meléndez presented a series of proposals aimed at strengthening the construction sector and guaranteeing access to decent housing for all. In this regard, he highlighted ACOPROVI's proposals, which outline a comprehensive strategy aligned with the National Development Strategy.
Among the documents presented is "Vision 2030: ACOPROVI's Proposals," which offers a future perspective for the sector, in addition to announcing the "National Pact for Access to Decent Housing and the National Pact for Decent Employment for Construction Workers," highlighting the importance of guaranteeing optimal working conditions.
Another highlight was the presentation of the National School for the Training of Construction Technicians, resulting from an agreement with the National Institute of Technical-Professional Training (Infotep), which seeks to train construction workers.
Also, in collaboration with ProConsumidor, an Agreement on Best Practices in Housing Construction was presented
, which includes a Guarantee Matrix and a User Manual, with the
purpose of establishing quality standards and protecting consumer rights.
Alfonso Vegara, representative of the Spanish-based Metrópoli Foundation, also presented the
agreement between that entity and ACOPROVI, with the aim of promoting the development of the city of Santo
Domingo.
International trends in the residential real estate sector were addressed by
Monique de Céspedes, from the 4S Group, Panama.
President Luis Abinader with executives from Acoprovi. (External source).
The event included various panels, conferences, and plenary sessions. Among these was one
addressing the rental law, with the participation of Santiago Sicard, Executive President
of the Dominican Republic Investment Funds Association; Raúl Ovalle, Consulting Economist, Analytica; Robinson Cuello Shanlatte, Senior Partner of the firm Cuello Shanlatte & Associates; and Guillermo Sención, Executive Partner of Grupo Sención.
Representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) also presented the progress
towards the Ten-Year Housing Plan in the Dominican Republic and the Dominican Construction Code.
Similarly, the discussion of urban development challenges was led by Mayobanex Suazo,
Director of Urban Planning for the National District; Rafael Barón Duluc, Mayor of La Altagracia; and
Ángel Sosa, Director of Urban Planning in Santo Domingo East.
Also participating in the event were Carlos Aguilar; Frank Ortega, Eduardo
Sánchez, Juan Raúl Ruiz, Luxia Labs, and Carmen Ortega. Other attendees included David Serna, Lead Chair Advisor at Green Taxonomy (Colombia); Yermys Peña, CEO of Partners Construger; Olga Nivar, from the Superintendency of the Securities Market of the Dominican Republic; and Santiago Duque, Director of Modular Solutions at Argos Dominicana.
Similarly, Alejandro Fernández Whipple, Superintendent of Banks; Camel Cury, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Presidency; Rosanna Ruiz, Executive President of the Association of Multiple Banks (ABA); Manuel Cocco, Executive Director of the Dominican League of Savings and Loan Associations; and Rafael Bisonó, representative of Constructora Bisonó, also participated.
Mr. Rodolfo Santa María Razzeto, CEO of MASHA, also shared his experience in Peru. The National Housing Roundtable was held at the JW Marriott Hotel.
Cover photo: Fidel Pérez/el Inmobiliario.
