The report states that a large portion of Dominicans lack access to adequate housing, while more than a third of the population lives in buildings considered structurally vulnerable to natural events.
SANTO DOMINGO– The country needs to standardize the processes for issuing construction permits to improve the functioning of the real estate market and stimulate the participation of the private sector, according to the study “Enabling the way for the development of prosperous cities and territories: urbanization and territorial development study of the Dominican Republic”, presented last week.
The analysis conducted by World Bank specialists Paula Restrepo Cadavid and Diana Tello recommends consolidating existing housing agencies and programs under the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED).
"This study recommends consolidating existing housing agencies and programs
under the newly created Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), strengthening cadastral and land registration systems and standardizing the processes for issuing building permits to improve the functioning of the real estate market and stimulate private sector participation, and expanding mortgage financing to lower-income segments by adopting
measures to include households with informal incomes in housing programs," the document highlights.
It also suggests that the Dominican Government strengthen cadastral and land registration systems and expand mortgage financing to lower income segments by adopting measures to include households with informal incomes in housing programs.
The report states that a large portion of Dominicans lack access to adequate housing, while more than a third of the population lives in buildings considered structurally vulnerable to natural events.
“The qualitative housing deficit is greater in lagging provinces, where a much larger percentage of homes need to be renovated to reach an acceptable level of quality of life, while the quantitative housing deficit is greater in leading areas, reflecting the greater population pressure,” the study states.
The research, which was financially supported by the European Union and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), highlights the need to strengthen the institutional framework for housing development and land management.
“Coordinating actions to address complex territorial challenges that require the intervention of multiple sectors in parallel. This means implementing targeted programs or strategies to mobilize stakeholders from the public and private sectors at the national and subnational levels, as well as large-scale financial resources to address complex territorial challenges,” the study states.
It also proposes to improve the regulatory framework for territorial planning, whose implementation throughout the country should enable the implementation of coordinated measures at different territorial scales for the provision of basic services in order to integrate housing programs into local territorial plans and better guide private and tourism investments, while taking into account the carrying capacity at the local level.
“However, some of the more complex territorial challenges identified in this study require a selective approach to be addressed in a timely and efficient manner. This is particularly important given the highly centralized nature of the Dominican Republic and the scarcity of resources available to local governments to finance territorial development (services and infrastructure) at the local level,” the report states.
It suggests implementing more efficient technical solutions, along with a financial and institutional framework for the provision of strategic urban services and investments in metropolitan areas and regions. “For example, there is a need to create coordination mechanisms to ensure uniformity in urban planning instruments and investments for urban mobility (e.g., public transportation) in urban areas that extend across multiple administrative units.”.
Addressing current challenges in terms of solid waste disposal will also require coordination and guidance from the central government to ensure that the most efficient technical solutions (e.g., regional sanitary landfills) are endorsed, says the World Bank study.
“Addressing spatial inequalities in housing quality and basic service provision in large urban areas through integrated programs for the improvement of neighborhoods and settlements. As part of the rationalization and consolidation of housing institutions and programs, it is recommended that these incorporate programs for the improvement of neighborhoods and settlements, in addition to promoting housing improvement as a way to enhance resilience to natural disasters.”.
The report determined that integrated interventions for the improvement of neighborhoods and settlements appear to be particularly important in certain areas of the National District, such as the 3rd District.
