SANTO DOMINGO– Authorities have persisted in their efforts to transform the chaotic and iconic Duarte Street at the intersection with Paris Street, a bustling commercial hub that has historically served as a hub for numerous small businesses to sell their products amidst disarray. Yesterday, President Luis Abinader inaugurated the final 1.4-kilometer stretch of the road, which will improve the working conditions for many men and women, following a project that began in 2021.
Yesterday, Sunday, December 10, the popular avenue was closed to vehicular traffic to allow President Luis Abinader and the mayor of the National District, Carolina Mejía, along with dozens of companions, to walk freely on a tour in which the street vendors of Duarte, the main beneficiaries of the design, made it clear that for them "change had arrived".
The total investment involved RD$309 million, while the 1.4-kilometer stretch that was inaugurated shows the work of removing sidewalks and ramps, paving, sanitary and rainwater drainage, urban furniture and LED lighting.
“We had three fundamental objectives: the first, to restore dignity to the residents and street vendors who work here to earn a living for their families… The second, to restore pride to all the residents of the capital in living in a more orderly, more beautiful city with a greater sense of humanity; and the third, to demonstrate how Dominicans are capable of building wonderful things, working together,” Mejía said in a speech that was met with applause, especially from the current Association of Street Vendors, presided over by Faustina Díaz.
President Luis Abinader, along with Mayor Carolina Mejía, business owners, and officials, during the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Paris Street. (External source).
Díaz, the representative of the small business owners, excitedly highlighted that for all the workers, having their own premises, where not only their merchandise but also themselves fit, as well as being organized in a dignified manner, is a dream that completely improves their quality of life and that they never thought they would see come true.
For his part, President Abinader expressed that delivering this project, which transformed Duarte Avenue, which he noted was previously known as a symbol of disorder, fills him with pride because the 300 million pesos used were invested with honesty, transparency, and, “in the case of Carolina,” efficiency.
“Let’s take care of it, let’s take care of this project because it’s an effort made with the people’s money… This section, which used to be an embarrassment, is now an example,” said the president, who arrived at the event in a golf cart after touring the first stage of the project, which has been in use since December 2021.
The work
This second stage covers the intervention of Paris Avenue from José Martí Street to Josefa Brea Street; and in it 246 stations for street vendors were built, all numbered, of which there are 60 that were strategically located in the also inaugurated Paseo de La París.
Among the quadrilaterals, which have awnings and are surrounded by four folding aluminum doors, the blue and gray colors stand out in the finishing of each detail.
In addition, it includes the restoration of the Duarte, Music and Reading Promenades, with the installation of new modules for street vendors in different sections.
Also, a City Hall headquarters was built on Jacinto de la Concha Street, corner of Paris, with two levels, six front parking spaces and an area of 407 square meters, which houses the offices of Urban Cleaning, Public Space, Municipal Police, General Directorate of Traffic and Transportation Security (Digeset), the National Police and the National System of Emergency and Security 9-1-1.
According to the Mayor, the electrical system and underground wiring were reorganized, which has had a positive impact not only on businesses but also on families living in Villa Consuelo and Villa Francisca.
The 9-1-1 service installed 39 cameras and 5 megaphones, providing 24-hour surveillance to ensure immediate and effective responses.
To the women of history
In addition, in a tribute to outstanding women in the history of the Dominican Republic, Mayor Mejía highlighted that, with the sponsorship of Pinturas Popular, there are now murals on the pillars that support the overpass at 27th and Duarte.
The faces of Concepción Bona, María Trinidad Sánchez, Juana Saltitopa, Salomé Ureña, Rosa Duarte, María Montés, Mamá Tingó and Josefa Brea can be found all along the avenue.
The first stage
The first phase of the “La París and its Surroundings” project was inaugurated in December 2021, with the renovation of the river system and a renewed and picturesque vehicular section. At that time, it only included 400 meters.
With information and photos from Listín Diario.
