He assured that during the preliminary phase of the project, no mangroves have been cut down nor has the adjacent lagoon been disturbed, which he claims remains "intact and in perfect health.".
SANTO DOMINGO - Noval Properties yesterday denied having acted in violation of Dominican environmental laws, after highlighting that its The Reef project has been conceived and developed with the highest standards.
In a statement, the developer announced the “ temporary suspension” of work at the aforementioned housing complex, located in Playa Bonita, Las Terrenas, Samaná province. The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources (Proedemaren), of the Public Ministry, reported last Monday that the project was halted due to “environmental damage.”
In the document, the developer reiterated that its commitment has been and will continue to be to build the best project in Las Terrenas, strictly complying with all applicable regulations and standards.
“We are aware of the diverse opinions our project in Playa Bonita, Las Terrenas, . We understand that, when undertaking a project of this magnitude, it is natural to encounter both strong support and the inevitable emergence of critical voices. A few months ago, the project was accused of not even starting construction, and now it is being accused of alleged environmental damage,” he explained.
The company assured that during the preliminary phase of the project, no mangroves have been cut down nor has the adjacent lagoon been disturbed, which it claims remains "intact and in perfect health."
He indicated that what has been done is the proper channeling of rainwater from adjacent lots, complying with the provisions of the environmental license granted.
They also stated that the images circulating on social media correspond to areas authorized for construction , where land clearing had taken place. Regarding the trees visible in the photos, they clarified that these are “dry branches” and not live vegetation.
“The intervention in the existing canal is due to an environmental and water management need , to guarantee the efficient drainage of rainwater, in accordance with the plans approved by the Ministry of Environment and in response to requests from the Playa Bonita community itself,” the firm stated.
Trucks
Regarding the impact of heavy truck traffic, Noval Properties acknowledged that it has caused inconvenience and announced that it is already working on a perimeter road exclusively for cargo vehicles, in order to mitigate the impact on nearby residential areas.
The developer expressed its full willingness to cooperate with the Public Prosecutor's Office in any investigations required, and asserted that it had provided all the necessary technical documentation and permits. "We will facilitate any additional inspection, confident that a rigorous analysis will confirm that we have acted in accordance with the law," the company stated.
The company, with more than 20 years in the Dominican market, expressed its commitment to the community and its interest in keeping residents informed, stating that the project will continue with the objective of generating value for Las Terrenas , respecting the natural environment, the legal framework and the sustainable development of the region.
