Speaking recently at DATE Punta Cana, deputy Tourism Minister Radhames Martinez gave a progress report on the physical and people-oriented renovations underway in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo as part of a US$30 million Inter-American Development Bank urban renewal program. He said that the project for the improvement of the Colonial City was part of the trend for urban renewal and a new vision for Latin American cities so they can be more enjoyable for visitors. Latin America is experiencing a rapid growth in popularity with the traveling public.
Improvements in the Colonial City include the installation of underground electric cabling for electricity, telecom and cable services.
Martinez said the facade of the city was being renovated, and 130 properties had already received facelifts.
He said the plan also included solutions to the city’s parking problems, and an entertainment program for the Colonial City that will be in place by 2014. Noise control regulations for the area are being incorporated in the program. In the past residents have complained that noise from nightspots makes living in the city difficult.
Martinez said that the program also includes a surveillance system to monitor the area to complement other security efforts.
Martinez said that the project was scheduled for completion by 2015, but President Medina has shown an interest in accelerating works so it can be completed in 2014.
“The country’s current priority is the Colonial City,” he said.
The city’s leading attraction is expected to be ready when the San Pedro and La Romana stretches of the Coral Highway are finished. This will put Punta Cana and its almost two million tourists a year just two hours drive from Santo Domingo.