SANTO DOMINGO– The Ministry of Housing and Construction (MIVED) continued its relief efforts this weekend for communities affected by Hurricane Fiona. A total of 32 trucks loaded with construction materials to rebuild homes destroyed by the storm were sent to the affected areas.
A statement from Mived posted on its website cites that 18,000 zinc sheets, 1,500 zinc trestles, 3,000 units of wood, 960 pine cans, 6,500 pounds of nails, 3 chainsaws, 4,500 hygiene and cleaning kits, and 2,000 mattresses were distributed in the affected communities.
"Heavy equipment was also brought in to be used during a day of cleaning roads and water tanks, and fumigation will be carried out in all areas where epidemiological surveillance has been intensified to prevent disease outbreaks," the government entity stated.
The aid was provided through the Banreservas Volunteer Program, the private sector, and coordinated with the Vice Presidency.
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Officials led by President Luis Abinader toured various areas. The president, along with Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing and Urban Development (MIVED), visited several communities in La Altagracia province, including San Rafael de Yuma, Verón, La Otra Banda, Los Platanitos, and La Florida.
Meanwhile, in El Seibo, Bonilla toured the communities of Santa Cruz, San Lucía, Pedro Sánchez, San Francisco Vicentillo, La Gina, Miches and El Cedro, accompanied by Vice President Raquel Peña.
Also in attendance were the administrator of Banco de Reservas, Samuel Pereyra; the president of the Banreservas volunteer program, Noelia Garcia; authorities from the provinces of El Seibo and La Altagracia; the director of Civil Defense, Juan Salas; the senator, Santiago Zorrilla; and the director of National Assets, Rafael Burgos Gómez.
Minister Bonilla indicated that the Government's main interest is to continue monitoring the work carried out in the vulnerable areas recently affected by Hurricane Fiona.
“We are visiting the communities to monitor the progress of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's (MIVED) work and to provide answers regarding the projects and aid for our people. We understand the great needs of the eastern region, and our main interest is to address them as quickly as possible. That is why we are still here,” Bonilla emphasized.
