Los Corbanitos could be the next tourist area to begin development in the DR. Los Corbanitos is located in the southwestern province of Peravia, near Salinas (excellent site for windsurfing) and Las Calderas Navy Base. El Siglo newspaper reports that investors have made a proposal to the government-owned Inmobiliaria Corde for the purchase of 15 million square meters along the southeastern coastline. The idea is to develop beach resort type properties. The property is one hour away from the María Montez International Airport, the very large international airport that the government built in Barahona and whose use has been delayed due to the lack of hotel rooms in the area. According to El Siglo, the investors submitted their proposal to the Executive Branch that has the legal authority to authorize the sale. The newspaper says that only presidential go-ahead is necessary, since the sale of the lands, which are owned by Corde (the government enterprise conglomerate that is being privatized at the present time) does not require congressional approval. The beach lands that are protected by a natural breakwater are valued at RD$100 million, but their commercial potential increases the value of the property to RD$800 million. (11 February 2000)
