标签： Dominican Republic

In a significant move to address the aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has unveiled a comprehensive RD$12 billion aid package. The initiative, announced in Santo Domingo, is designed to support affected communities, farmers, and merchants while also stimulating economic recovery and repairing damaged infrastructure nationwide.

Santo Domingo has witnessed a transformative leap in urban mobility as the Dominican Republic’s Transportation Cabinet revealed that the RD Se Mueve plan has surpassed 70% completion in its first phase. This ambitious initiative has already delivered a remarkable 30% enhancement in average travel speeds across major road corridors in Greater Santo Domingo, marking a pivotal milestone in the city’s traffic management and public transport integration. Deligne Ascención, the Transport Cabinet Coordinator and Minister, underscored the plan’s success in fostering safer and more efficient mobility for the capital’s residents. The first phase of RD Se Mueve has yielded tangible outcomes, including a 20–30% reduction in travel times during peak hours. Key measures implemented include flexible working hours for 70,000 employees across 137 public institutions, optimized traffic light systems in 11 critical corridors, and the introduction of turning restrictions, contraflow lanes, and regulated parking in high-traffic zones. Furthermore, over 700 DIGESETT agents, equipped with body cameras, have bolstered traffic enforcement, leading to the towing of 5,200 vehicles and the issuance of 7,100 citations for violations. The Metro system has also expanded its capacity to minimize wait times and enhance service quality. The government has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the RD Se Mueve plan by integrating cutting-edge technology, educational campaigns, and road safety initiatives, aiming to transform Santo Domingo into a modern, well-organized metropolis.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Food Bank of the Dominican Republic (BARD) has intensified its efforts to support affected families in San José de Ocoa. With financial backing from ADM, BARD has successfully distributed essential aid packages to 100 families in the region. These packages include critical supplies such as food, drinking water, and other basic necessities, providing immediate relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the storm.

A water tank operated by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA) exploded early Wednesday morning in Consuelo, San Pedro de Macorís, resulting in extensive damage to at least ten homes and leaving three individuals injured. The explosion occurred on Isidro Barros Avenue, close to the Sor Leonor Gibb Elementary School, where the force of the blast also damaged a nearby vehicle. The injured victims were promptly transported to the Antonio Musa Regional Hospital, while other residents affected by the shockwave are reported to be in stable condition. Provincial governor Yovanis Baltazar swiftly arrived at the scene to coordinate relief efforts and assess the damage. Emergency response teams, including the Emergency Medical Services (DAEH), the Dominican Red Cross, Civil Defense, Fire Department, and National Police, were deployed to assist victims, secure the area, and mitigate further risks. Authorities remain on-site, providing aid to affected families and monitoring the situation to ensure safety.

In a significant move to streamline cross-border traffic and ensure safety, authorities and merchants in Dajabón, Dominican Republic, convened with Haitian representatives and cargo motorcycle operators to discuss new regulations governing the entry of Haitian motorcycles. These measures, set to take effect in January, aim to enforce legal and safety standards while maintaining orderly commerce. Mayor Santiago Riverón outlined that only motorcycles meeting specific legal criteria—such as possessing insurance and proper registration—will be permitted to cross the border. To prevent congestion, entry will be staggered in groups, and Haitian vehicles will be restricted to a designated tolerance zone near the Border Market. Violators venturing beyond authorized areas without permission will face detention and fines. Freddy Morillo, president of the Federation of Merchants of the Border Market, highlighted that the regulations are designed to foster orderly trade and ensure compliance. He further explained that motorcycles entering Dajabón must carry insurance, and those seeking access to the city center must obtain official permits marked by colored emblems issued by the municipal council. Bilateral committees will collaborate to ensure the seamless implementation of these new rules.