In a Thursday, 21 March announcement, the National District City Government outlined its plan to turn the stretch of the Malecon seafront boulevard between Jose Maria Heredia Street and Maximo Gomez Avenue into a giant artificial beach and pool area for the Easter holidays. Twelve gigantic plastic pools are being installed, with 1,500 cubic meters of sand and at least 90,000 gallons of water to create a holiday ambience in the Guibia area. The area will be closed off to traffic as of Wednesday afternoon, 27 March for the installation of the pools that will be open to the public on Thursday, 28 March. The recreational area was a huge success in 2012.
The Easter holiday long weekend, which for some starts on Thursday, 28 March is religiously observed by many Dominicans as well as being the traditional time to hit the beaches in other parts of the country. Now, for city dwellers who can’t afford to go away, the city government is bringing the beach and pool time home. Schools in the Dominican Republic close for the Semana Santa break today, Friday 22 March.
The city government decided to go ahead with the plan despite major water rationing efforts due to an extended drought that is affecting the Dominican Republic. The director of the city water corporation (CAASD), Aljenadro Montas criticized the priority that is being given to family recreation.