Housing is a basic necessity and, as such, a human right. One of the universal aspirations of every person is to own a home; in fact, achieving this is considered an important step in one's life plans.
Regardless of your social status, we all desire our own space to enjoy and feel free. It's part of human independence that provides security and a sense of well-being, extending beyond our families and loved ones.
COVID-19 confined us for an extended period, prompting us all to reflect on life and its priorities. Undoubtedly, being sheltered at home highlighted the importance of having a roof over one's head, and if we can plan to acquire our own, all the better.
At the height of the pandemic, when the global economy was reeling from the closure of large corporations forced by the pandemic, the real estate industry was rethinking its plans and, as in all sectors, there was an abundance of analyses and theories about its prospects.
With the population more adapted to the pandemic era, the world is trying to get back on its feet, and amidst ups and downs, all sectors are fighting from their respective stages to get back on track and recover from the onslaught.
In the Dominican Republic, the figures for the construction sector appear promising, even being reported in the Central Bank's indicators as the fastest growing segment of the economy in the first seven months of this year.
However, a review with industry stakeholders raises concerns and paints a bleak picture given the uncontrolled rise in material prices. Our country imports more than 80% of the supplies it uses for construction, leaving us with few domestic options.
The high cost of freight has set off alarm bells. On one hand, there are the price increases; on the other, there are the opportunists who are always on the lookout to speculate; and on the other, there's the government, which the sector accuses of charging inflated tariffs and taxes.
It is necessary for representatives and the government to reach an agreement on the state of this situation and stop the indiscriminate price increase that threatens the sacred right of Dominicans in their struggle to obtain housing; and put a stop to one of the most dynamic segments of the national economy.
