SANTO DOMINGO. – President Luis Abinader announced yesterday the launch of the “Santo Domingo del Mar” program, a project that will redefine its identity as a coastal city, recovering the value of the coastline and transforming it into an urban corridor for connection, development, and recreation.
During his accountability speech before the National Assembly, the president explained that the plan includes private projects with economic and tourism impact, such as the construction of a marina and a new cruise ship pier on the Malecón, works that will boost the local economy and strengthen Santo Domingo's position as a key destination in the region.
“Another component of the plan will be the construction of underground service galleries beneath the main avenues, optimizing urban infrastructure. These galleries will be divided into two chambers: a wet chamber for the sanitary and stormwater drainage system, and a dry chamber for electrical networks, telecommunications, and transportation and security systems,” he emphasized.
The head of state noted that Greater Santo Domingo has experienced rapid growth in recent years, consolidating itself as a major metropolis. He added, however, that this development has often occurred in a haphazard manner, lacking comprehensive planning to harmonize infrastructure, services, and mobility—essential elements for ensuring a modern, functional city with a high quality of life for all its inhabitants.
“Given this reality, we are announcing the implementation of the Santo Domingo Integrated Plan, an initiative led by the National District Mayor's Office that will serve as a mechanism for inter-institutional management and coordination. Its purpose is to articulate and synchronize the various actions necessary to transform our capital into a friendly, attractive, and safe city, with a vision of sustainable development for the next 20 years,” he explained.
He said that as part of the project, a new 50,000m2 park was started, where the old Maharishi school was located, recently acquired by the government and which will connect Independence Avenue with George Washington Avenue, with green and sports areas and enhancing the monument to the heroes of May 30.
“With this ambitious plan, we are addressing the city’s long-standing problems and laying the foundation for orderly and sustainable growth. We are committed to building a Santo Domingo of the future, where urban development and citizen well-being go hand in hand.”.
Housing
Referring to housing programs, Luis Abinader highlighted that in 2024 they delivered 1,637 homes through the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed), in addition to another 192 through the Provincial Development Commission and 2,981 from Happy Family, which add up to a total of 4,810.
He emphasized that they will deliver 2,500 more homes in the coming weeks through the Happy Family program, and another 7,000 are under construction. This is in addition to the homes improved through various government programs.
"And in 2024, the Mivhed approved permits for the construction of 91 private low-cost housing projects, totaling more than 53,700 units.".
He maintained that his government's commitment has been clear: "a country with better infrastructure, greater connectivity, and opportunities for everyone in every corner of the country. We have carried out projects in all 31 provinces and in the National District.".
