President Luis Abinader has officially opened the El Cercado–Hondo Valle–Juan Santiago highway, a transformative infrastructure initiative in the Dominican Republic’s southern border province of Elías Piña. This strategic project, long neglected for years, signifies a major governmental commitment to regional integration and economic revitalization.
Constructed by the Ministry of Public Works under the direction of Minister Eduardo Estrella, the 22-kilometer roadway represents an investment exceeding RD$1 billion. The infrastructure dramatically slashes travel duration, reducing the journey from the capital, Santo Domingo, to Hondo Valle from over six hours to approximately four. This enhancement promises to revolutionize mobility for local residents, agricultural producers, and commercial transporters alike.
The highway’s inauguration is projected to deliver profound socioeconomic benefits. By bridging the municipalities of El Cercado, Hondo Valle, and Juan Santiago, it effectively ends decades of isolation for surrounding communities in Elías Piña and San Juan provinces. Officials project that over 45,000 individuals will experience direct and indirect advantages, including strengthened local commerce, improved access to essential services, and new economic opportunities in rural zones.
This development is strategically designed to curb urban migration by fostering sustainable growth in agricultural production and tourism within the border region. The project also emphasizes improved road safety and reinforces the government’s dedication to comprehensive territorial integration and security, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s broader regional development agenda.