The Balaguer government spent RD$12 million to restore the Agua y Luz Theater, complete with its waterworks show. Now the Mejia administration plans to tear it down to build a modern convention center. Plinio D’Oleo, described by the Listin Diaro as advisor on development projects, said that President Hipolito Mejia has given the go ahead to the Spanish company Marco Empresarial for the project at a cost of RD$500 million. D’Oleo said the lease on the theater signed by the Balaguer government with Mike Mercedes on 31 July 1996 was rescinded because Mercedes did not fulfill the contractual obligations. Agua y Luz was inaugurated in 1955 and its fountains were comparable to those in Monjuich Park in Barcelona. In its better days, it showcased international performers such as the Lido dance troupe from Paris.
