DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The National Congress expedited the approval of a controversial bill authorizing the state to pay the debts claimed by more than 500 builders and contractors who acknowledge they executed public works without formal contracts. The legislation, which was declared urgent and passed in two consecutive readings in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, aims to settle financial obligations dating back in some cases to over 30 years, covering projects that range from infrastructure maintenance to school repairs.

Proponents argue the measure acts as a restitution for work completed but never compensated due to administrative hurdles, while critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the specific amounts involved and the beneficiaries.

The legislators argued the bill addresses a long-standing limbo for hundreds of engineers and small contractors who...