Tour operator Michel Musa explained to that media outlet that they are being forced to use the Cangrejo bridge because the alternative route, which drivers were using through the Los Pérez community area with Montellano, is also in very poor condition.
PUERTO PLATA.-Contrasting with the flourishing atmosphere that dominates tourism in the Dominican Republic, whose authorities project receiving a record 7 million non-resident visitors this 2022, some communities continue to exhibit distressing calamities that expose the reality of the country.
The iconic Puerto Plata, where vacation tourism took off in 1980 in the country, is aiming to recover and regain its former glory as a tourist attraction, but images of tourists crossing a bridge on foot, due to its deterioration, are discouraging and diminish its chances.
This is the Cangrejo bridge that connects the municipalities of Montellano and Sosua, in this district, whose state of deterioration caused the circulation of heavy vehicles to be prohibited and for tourists to have to cross on foot when traveling to the airport in the area.
Visitors arrive by bus at one end of the bridge, walk across it, and upon crossing to the other side board another means of transport to reach their different destinations, according to Diario Libre.
Tour operator Michel Musa explained to that media outlet that they are being forced to use the Cangrejo bridge because the alternative route, which drivers were using through the Los Pérez community area with Montellano, is also in very poor condition.
He said his customers complain when they are transported through that area, due to the dust that is raised on the road section by the circulation of vehicles.
He also maintains that this road is impassable during rainy weather due to the mud that accumulates.
He described it as shameful that tourists leave with that impression of the Dominican Republic.
In addition to the tour operator, the various passenger and freight transport unions that use that route are also complaining about the problem.
They say the problem also affects trade and other economic activities in Puerto Plata.
They hope that the Central Government will build a new bridge before the start of the peak tourist season, estimated for next November.
The Cangrejo Bridge underwent repairs by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications at the beginning of the year. However, the structure remains in poor condition, causing serious mobility problems for residents and visitors of this tourist area.
Source: Diario Libre
