Minister of Tourism Felix Jiménez confirmed that cruise ship traffic to Santo Domingo has declined due to the garbage and contamination of the Ozama River. Slum areas and industries border the river. When the levels of the river increase, the river sucks in the garbage, which flows downstream to the port areas. Both the Port of Sans Souci on the East Bank and the Port of Santo Domingo on the West Bank are affected. The government is gradually implementing a plan to relocate the families that live on the river area. The plan is estimated to cost over RD$5,000 million. The garbage problem is unfortunate. The Port of Santo Domingo docks at one of the otherwise most attractive areas in the Caribbean. Cruise ship travelers enter the city through the 15th century gates of the Colonial City and can walk through the Colonial City for browsing or shopping in Colonial City Shops or along the Calle el Conde pedestrian mall. (23 March 2000)
