In the municipality of Villa Montellano, Puerto Plata, the government announced that it will build a housing project of 112 apartments, in response to the damage caused by the recent rains in the area.
The announcement was made during the Information Roundtable held in Puerto Plata, where the Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED), Ito Bisonó, offered the details of this solution, which will be implemented by the institution as part of a comprehensive approach.
As part of this action, immediately after the Information Meeting, Minister Bisonó, along with the MIVHED technical team and the contractors, went to the site where the project will be developed, to begin the technical coordination and start as soon as possible.
Information session held in Puerto Plata, led by President Luis Abinader. (External source).
“We are providing a concrete solution that will allow us to relocate those who are currently in vulnerable situations, guaranteeing their safety and dignity,” Bisonó said.
The project includes the construction of 112 apartments, distributed in low-rise buildings, with a recreational area, as well as access to basic services such as drinking water, sanitation, electricity and internal roads.
Home repairs
In parallel, MIVHED will continue to develop interventions in the territory, focused on the repair and improvement of homes that are not in vulnerable areas and that can be recovered.
In that regard, the minister emphasized that the Government is acting on two fronts simultaneously: the relocation of families at risk and the intervention of homes that can be rehabilitated.
“Where recovery is possible, intervention takes place; where it is not, people will be relocated with dignity. That is the approach we are implementing,” he stated.
Delivery of 144 apartments in Laderas del Este
President Luis Abinader led the handover of 144 apartments in the Laderas del Este Residential project, accompanied by the Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings, Víctor-Ito-Bisonó, as part of the implementation of the Happy Family.
This project was developed through the FONVIVIENDA trust, under a public-private partnership scheme aimed at expanding access to housing solutions for low and middle-income Dominican families.
The project directly impacts 144 families, representing more than 400 people who will now live in safer conditions, with access to basic services and in an environment that allows them greater stability, according to a press release from the Presidency.
“I want to tell you that it is the government’s commitment to continue this program and ensure its sustainability, because the truth is that it has been a real success of a public-private partnership for the benefit of thousands of Dominican families,” the president stated.
Abinader urged the new homeowners to take care of their homes, saying, “The most important thing is what you are receiving today: your apartments. Take care of them and enjoy them. You now have your infrastructure, you have your home, so make it your own. May God bless each and every family.”.
Meanwhile, Bisonó reported that "the project reflects the real profile of the families who are now accessing their own homes, noting that more than 60% of the beneficiaries are women, many of them heads of household, which represents an important step towards greater stability for their children and their families.".
He also pointed out that "a significant portion of these families previously lived in precarious conditions, in homes with zinc roofs or makeshift structures, which limited their safety and quality of life.".
During the event, Minister Bisonó highlighted that the Laderas del Este Residential complex is part of the projects that were already underway and that continue to advance within the program.
At this stage, the focus is on completing and delivering the housing initiatives approved through 2025 under the Happy Family program, ensuring that beneficiary families receive the expected results. “Today, more than just apartments, we are delivering peace of mind, security, and a new beginning for many Dominican families.”.
For his part, the developer of the project, Fabio Santoni, indicated that this is the first of four stages of apartments with amenities that will improve the lives of the new owners, "This first stage of 144 units is practically finished and there are already people sleeping here and we are very satisfied with this presence.".
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