Public Works Minister Freddy Perez says that the budget for the government’s first 100 days of its administration has been redirected to the eastern region of the country that suffered damages from Hurricane Jeanne. Perez said that the eastern provinces lost 13 bridges that were knocked down by swollen rivers, while more than 20 other bridges suffered significant structural damage. The minister said that priority has been given to repairing the crossing over the Chavon River. He said that provisional bridges are being built to allow all types of vehicles to traverse the river while the main permanent structure is being restored. According to the Listin Diario, an area over the Chavon River was equipped yesterday for vehicles making the crossing, while the bridge over the dam area continues to be for pedestrian use only. Minister Perez said the bridge over the dam will be rebuilt as it was originally designed and expects the work to take three months. To alter the plans of the bridge, he said, would entail a construction time of eight months. Perez estimated the cost to repair damage done to the bridges at RD$600 million.