SANTO DOMINGO.– Residents of the Los Hidalgos housing development, in the La Ciénaga sector, at kilometer 14 of the Duarte highway, reported that they have been waiting for more than 15 years for the repair of their streets, due to their condition, which includes stones, dust and mud, making their daily activities difficult.
Ada Irma Tapia, who has lived in the town for more than two decades, said that they have tried to contact the authorities, but they only make promises that are never kept.
“This situation has been very difficult. We have spoken with the trustee and they say yes, that tomorrow, but it remains just promises and they don't resolve it,” he said.
He also stated that, given this situation, they have chosen not to use their vehicles on a daily basis, due to the condition of the streets.
“I have two cars stuck there because it’s very difficult to drive like this,” he pointed out.
Children and the elderly are the most affected
Angela Montaño recounted that every time a vehicle passes through the community, it raises a large amount of dust, a situation that, she affirmed, affects the health of the residents, especially children and the elderly.
“Every car that passes by here kicks up a terrible cloud of dust, and I’m a sick person. My family is completely sick, with respiratory problems,” he said.
Community improvisation
Julio Hernández emphasized that he had to find strategies with a family member to prevent his truck from being damaged by the constant bumps while driving through the area.
“My ten-year-old son and I had to find ways to cover the holes in front of my house with sandbags so we could get home,” he said.
Outrage against the authorities
Elizabeth Núñez recounted that the city council authorities have turned a blind eye to the situation. She said that they visited the area two years ago and led residents to believe the streets would be repaired.
“It used to have an asphalt layer, but they came during the elections and now it’s worse,” he said.
When it rains, the problem gets worse
Isabel Ferrera commented that, when it rains, this road becomes an "odyssey" to get to their homes.
“The street gets worse because it’s dirt and when it rains the street washes away,” he said.
He also pointed out that accessing basic services, such as ordering products at a corner store or calling a taxi, has become increasingly difficult, because some services refuse to enter the urbanization due to the road conditions.
“Here, as soon as two drops of rain fall, delivery drivers don’t want to come in and taxis cancel their services,” he pointed out.
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