Vice President Jaime David Fernandez was in the Southwest yesterday to inaugurate several public works. Included was an Internet access centers in Oviedo, in the presence of former President of Costa Rica Jose Figueres. Figueres is head of a foundation that sponsors setting up the centers throughout Latin America. Already in operation are four of these Lincos centers, part of the Pequeñas Comunidades Inteligentes program that seeks to provide Internet access to residents in rural and many times depressed areas. In addition to the Oviedo center, others are already operating in Bohechío, San Juan de la Maguana, El Seibo and Altos del Yaque in Santiago. Vice President Fernández also inaugurated the Los Toros hydroelectric dam in Azua. The dam, built at a cost of RD$200 million will be able to contribute 72 megawatts to the national electricity grid. Likewise, he inaugurated the RD$235 million Yaque del Sur dike that will avoid a repetition of the mud flooding that occurred in Vicente Noble shortly after the passing of Hurricane Georges in 1998. Moreover, Vice President Fernández inaugurated potable water systems in aqueducts in Oviedo and Jaquimeyes, in Barahona, built at a cost of RD$5 million. News reports speculated that President Leonel Fernández has delegated the inauguration of important public works on the Vice President to avoid having to respond to demands for payment from contractors and suppliers.
