DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The Ministry of Housing and Buildings has now issued orders for several commercial megastores in Greater Santo Domingo citing significant structural and safety risks. The action was taken through the Vice Ministry of Standards, Regulations and Procedures.

As per the names and photos the mega stores are not of known local store chains. The names seem to reflect these are of the kind set up by Chinese investors to sell bargain-priced goods. The constructions seem to follow a very similar construction model.

For years, local businesses have been protesting the lack of action by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings regarding the construction violations by the mega stores. Now, after these are built, Mived is acting and announcing the “temporary closures.”

Among the establishments shut down were prominent Chinese retailers including Suplax, Plaza Hope, Central Depot, Central Point, Ming Sheng, Me Home (Nine Mall), La Rocca, Dulce Hogar, Shopping Center New World, STD Mall...