He stated that the Vice Ministries of Supervision and Inspection, Equipment and Transportation, as well as Road Maintenance, of the Ministry of Public Works, coordinated with the construction contractors scattered throughout the provinces of the country so that, in addition to the equipment that the institution has, they would join together to assist those in the areas that may be affected.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The Ministry of Public Works and Communications is capable of providing a rapid and decisive response to the effects that Hurricane Fiona could cause as it passes through the national territory.
This was reported by Minister Deligne Ascención, who met yesterday, Saturday, with the MOPC Emergency Committee to announce the work plan before the atmospheric passage of Fiona. For this purpose, the agency he heads activated its Emergency Committee, as well as its regional, provincial and operational directorates, especially those that are more likely to be affected by the effects of the phenomenon.
Ascención stated that more than 5,000 men and women are ready to go out and assist citizens who are in danger due to the threat of rain, landslides, mudslides, and floods.
The official explained that, heeding the call made by the government of President Luis Abinader and the COE, the MOPC has taken the corresponding measures in order to have the required interventions in the face of Hurricane Fiona, which will impact the Dominican Republic.
“Comipol has ordered the confinement of its troops to barracks in order to provide the necessary assistance in the places where it is required. From the administrative area, we will proceed to reinforce the stock of tools and utensils that could be used to intervene in the required areas,” he said.
He stated that the Vice Ministries of Supervision and Inspection, Equipment and Transportation, as well as Road Maintenance, of the Ministry of Public Works, coordinated with the construction contractors spread across the 31 provinces of the country so that, in addition to the equipment that the institution has, they would join together to assist those in the areas that may be affected.
“We are prepared, asking God to keep this storm away from our territory, but if it were to happen,” he added.
He said that in coordination with Comipol, headed by General Rafael Vásquez Espínola, and Melito Santana, Vice Minister of Road Maintenance, the aim is that starting tomorrow, Sunday, in coordination with DIGESETT, INTRAN, and the municipalities of both the National District and Santo Domingo East, the passage through the Floating Bridge in the Southeast part will be closed so that it can be opened.
"Since the amount of sediment and water hyacinths that move through the Ozama River produces a hydrostatic thrust on the bridge, and to minimize situations, it was ordered that traffic be closed on said bridge," he explained.
Minister Ascención was accompanied by Vice Ministers Ángel Tejeda Cuevas, Roberto Herrera, Melito Santana Rincón, and the following directors: Alejandro Ramírez, Rafael Vásquez Espínola, Robinson Duran, Demetrio Luciano, Everis Rodríguez, and Elido Alcántara, Director of Equipment and Transportation.
