Listin Diario reports that the National Housing Institute (INVI) has begun three housing projects to relocate families living in vulnerable areas of Villa Riva, in Duarte province; Matancitas, in Maria Trinidad Sanchez, and El Duey, in La Altagracia, with a total investment of more than RD$500 million. The projects are meant to reduce the number of victims of flooding that is frequent during the rainy and hurricane seasons, according to INVI director, Alma Fernandez. The project in Villa Riva will consist of 250 housing units, the one in La Altagracia will have 232 housing unites while in Maria Trinidad Sanchez 318 units will be built. The projects will include a piped water supply, streets, parking lots, sewage systems, electrical systems, parks, community centers and shopping centers.