They cite challenges and efficiency in the sector.
SANTO DOMINGO – On the occasion of World Construction Day , engineers dedicated to the industry warn about the urgent challenges that must be addressed to guarantee safe, efficient and sustainable construction projects throughout the country.
Engineer and former president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA), Teodoro Tejada, explained that, although progress has been made, problems persist that require immediate attention: “An extraordinary effort must be made to unite the sectors, because they are divided at the level of building construction.”
Tejada reported irregularities in urban paving: “The asphalt people have already become rich with what I call the asphalt cartel, who only like to pave paved streets; it is necessary that the dusty streets of towns and big cities be paved.”.
He also warned about deficiencies in stormwater drainage: “The Luperón sub-basin collects water from different areas, and there are no adequate interconnections. That's why flooding occurs in Quisqueya, Los Prados, and El Millón.”.
Other critical areas that require comprehensive solutions include the Malecón and the central industrial park: “These areas concentrate a large part of the water during heavy rains and need sustainable and definitive planning,” Tejada emphasized.
Permits
The engineer emphasized the need to expedite construction permits : “The Environment Ministry can no longer be negligent in granting licenses and threatening builders with fines or roadblocks. They must comply with Law 6400 and train their supervisors in safety and proper protocols.”
Regarding road infrastructure, he highlighted the projects that have improved connectivity : “The rise of works such as the Ecological Avenue, the Epic Avenue and the San Isidro Highway demonstrates the importance of technical planning and investment in well-designed infrastructure.”
Regarding housing, he highlighted recent progress: “Trusts have allowed the construction of more than 20,000 homes in five years, surpassing what was achieved in previous periods, which demonstrates the importance of sustained planning.”.
Technological advances and efficiency
For his part, Samir Rodríguez Molina, founder and CEO of Rodos / Saval Constructora, pointed out that, although there are technical advances, the sector is facing a slowdown : “During the first half of 2025 we have seen a negative year-on-year variation of -7.7% and an accumulated -2.3% as of the end of June. This reflects challenges in financing, costs and marketing.”
Rodríguez added that the incorporation of new technologies has improved the quality and efficiency of the projects: “The use of BIM, better structural supervision practices and modern construction solutions has allowed us to resume consistent execution rates.”
Regarding the main challenges, he listed: “Increased construction costs, high labor informality exceeding 85%, slow permitting processes, high interest rates, and more demanding buyers.”
The builder urged the sector to strengthen workforce training , accelerate institutional processes, and promote more efficient construction methods: “Future competitiveness will depend on our collective capacity to innovate and build with technical responsibility and a long-term vision.”
Teodoro Tejada agreed on the need for supervision and clear standards : “Openness and technical compliance are key to guaranteeing safe and quality works.”
Both experts agreed on the importance of sustainable solutions for critical urban areas: “Every well-executed project represents a direct benefit for the population and urban development,” Rodríguez concluded.
World Construction Day
Every November 17th, World Construction Day is celebrated, commemorating the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, considered one of the greatest engineering works in modern history.
The date recognizes the importance of the construction industry in economic and social development, as well as the contribution of engineers, architects, workers and technicians to the transformation of cities and the improvement of the quality of life.
In several countries, this celebration is complemented by days dedicated to construction workers, but November 17 is the internationally recognized date to value the sector's contribution to society and global development.
