SANTO DOMINGO. – Engineer Annerys Meléndez was recently re-elected to continue as president of the Dominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (Acoprovi) until 2027. She immediately outlined the urgent needs of the sector she represents, which will be her immediate focus.
The business leader emphasized upon being sworn in for the new term that among the main issues she will focus on immediately are the high interest rates affecting home sales, the efficiency of permitting processes that impact housing prices and discourage investment in the sector, the shortage of skilled labor in construction, and the approval of an updated rental law.
Similarly, he stated that they will address the creation of mechanisms for consulting and qualifying projects, to contribute to the security of buyers when making their investments in housing, since real estate scams do not represent the true development of the real estate market in the Dominican Republic, with safe and reliable investments.
During the swearing-in ceremony, it was reported that the entity's new Board of Directors will continue working on the representation and unity of the sector, and on the design of public policies that improve access to and financing conditions for housing.
Acoprovi Board of Directors 2025-2027. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
At the international level, the organization that brings together construction entrepreneurs will continue its participation in strategic forums and meetings, such as the institutional visits made to the United States and Colombia, in search of generating alliances and strengthening the construction industry in the country.
The new Board
Meléndez first assumed the position in 2023. She was re-elected during the Ordinary General Assembly, where the organization's members also voted for Rafael Aybar as Second Vice President; Luis Joel Torres as Fourth Vice President; Jochimín Pérez as Vice President and Treasurer; Nelson Cruz as First Member; and Pedro Columna as Second Member.
Likewise, Miguel Angel Pimentel, from Tavares Industrial, was chosen as representative of the adhering member, Andrés Rivas, from Banco Popular, representative of the corresponding member; while Giselle Sánchez from Banco BHD, will serve as Auditor of Accounts.
In addition, Guido Rosario, First Vice President; Santiago Colomé, Third Vice President; and Carlos Hernández, Secretary, remain in their positions.
Progress
In his management report, Meléndez highlighted the progress made in the previous period in terms of the favorable regulatory framework for the sector, such as the modernization of key regulations to streamline procedures in the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Housing and the City Councils.
He cited the sector's position regarding the Draft Tax Reform, as well as the progress made in streamlining the disbursement of mortgage financing upon delivery of properties, through the launch of the digital signature, the elimination of the legal status certification requirement, and the integration of the Real Estate Reserve.
In addition, the institution's initiatives were highlighted, such as the launch of the Construyendo RD Platform for the Dominicanization of the construction workforce, the Construir Futuro Congress that promotes best practices in housing promotion and construction together with international experts, the strategies for advancing towards the approval of an updated Rental Law, new spaces for joint collaboration such as the National Housing Forum and inter-institutional approaches.
“What we have achieved in terms of legitimacy with the public and the positioning of the industry is due to the way we have embraced our vision for the future with commitment and responsibility. As an organization, we continue to lead the development of the housing sector in our country, and this is evident both in the achievements we have attained and in the tangible contributions we have made to the sector. During this new period, we will continue in that direction,” said Meléndez.
