It warns about risks in public and private buildings and recommends strengthening
prevention measures by 2026..
SANTO DOMINGO. – Structural engineer Frinet Muñoz Espinal warned that the lack of supervision and the low priority given to safety in construction keep the Dominican Republic in a vulnerable situation.
“The disarray we have isn’t recent; it’s been accumulating for many years,” explained Muñoz Espinal. The specialist added, “Although the Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings (Mivhed) has strengthened regulations, the situation remains critical.”.
She added: “There has been progress in oversight, but awareness of safety remains limited among citizens and builders,” the professional added when interviewed on the Telesistema program El Día.
Azua hospital collapse
Muñoz also referred to the incident that occurred last Friday at the Simón Striddels Hospital in Azúa, where one of its slabs partially collapsed.
He explained that it was a temporary formwork structure during the pouring of the slab: “The concrete had not yet set, it had no strength and represented a dead weight, so it had to be supported by temporary elements.”.
He indicated that formwork, made of wood, aluminum, or steel, requires precise installation: “If the wood has defects or the supports are not properly secured, failures can occur.” He clarified that these types of incidents do not necessarily compromise the final structure, but they do highlight the importance of quality control at all stages of construction.
Structural assessments and maintenance
He stressed that critical buildings such as hospitals, bridges, aqueducts, and tanks should undergo structural evaluations every six months or a year.
“Initial inspections allow us to detect signs of potential failures. If any indications appear, further studies are required and, if necessary, the structure needs to be reinforced or corrected,” he explained.
He added that historically, public works projects lack adequate maintenance, which increases their vulnerability to earthquakes or extraordinary loads. He also specified that the materials and construction methods are crucial: “Structural calculations for dynamic, seismic, or wind loads are not the same as those for static loads. It's a specialized field.”.
Lack of awareness and control
The specialist criticized the fact that both citizens and contractors prioritize aesthetics over safety: "A lot is invested in beautifying, but not in guaranteeing the resistance of the building."
He stressed the importance of penalizing illegal construction : “If the offender is not punished, everyone will do it. Many say: 'Why pay for plans if my neighbor built without them and nothing happened?'”
He stressed the need for awareness campaigns: "The State must inform society about construction protocols and reinforce compliance with the laws.".
Supervision and prevention culture
The professional added that effective control requires technical supervision , compliance with regulations, and periodic evaluations. She noted that voluntary inspections are insufficient: “The fire department can detect problems in gas pipes, but repairs depend on the condominium owners, and there is no mandatory follow-up.”
He emphasized that prevention must be a priority from design to maintenance : “Monitoring is essential. Every stage, from formwork to concrete curing, cannot be omitted.”
He also emphasized that investing in technical studies, quality materials, and skilled labor is not optional: “Building isn't cheap, but it guarantees safety and long-term savings. Cutting corners on structural engineering isn't saving, it's taking a risk .”
Finally, he shared his aspirations for 2026: “ Prevention, prevention, prevention . It is essential that the State and the population prioritize safety in all constructions.”
