The demolition of the Fábrica Dominicana de Cemento has continued slowly, causing the closing of the bridge over Rio Isabela, which in turn has produced numerous traffic jams in the area of Villa Mella. Despite a notification sent by the authorities to residents of the area surrounding the old cement factory, panic was reported in some neighborhoods, where people were unaware of what was happening when they heard the explosion of charges of dynamite.
The area where the factory is being demolished will be converted into a park called Mirador Norte, reported to be the largest open green area in the D.R. when cleared. The Fábrica Dominicana de Cemento is to be transferred to the province of San Cristobal, where it will be sited further away from residential areas and present less of a health hazard.
12-18 April 1996