After an investigative report in El Dia exposed the slum-like deterioration of the access roads to the National Zoo in Santo Domingo, city Mayor Roberto Salcedo acknowledged the problem and announced a plan for improvements. City government general secretary Andres Navarro said that work would begin in the first quarter of the year. Solutions will be found to the sewage and garbage disposal from nearby slum areas, lighting will be improved and public spaces will be recovered, sport and recreational areas will be created where today there are garbage dumps and misused public areas. He said that illegal occupiers of public spaces would be gradually evicted. He said the authorities need the help of the Ministry of Public Works and Edesur to complete the project. El Dia reported yesterday, Tuesday 28 January on the neglect of the access area, the mechanic shops, improvised car and laundry wash areas, and carpentry shops that have taken over access roads and sidewalks, causing damage to the environment.