It has been a long three-and-a-half years of the US$45 million Inter-American Development Bank and Dominican government renovation program, but the results are beginning to show. Small hotels, bars, restaurants and shops are following in its wake. Program director Maribel Villalona reports that as part of the initiative, 200 old structures have been renovated and 800 given facelifts with painting. She says the program has concentrated on streets and public spaces and has prioritized pedestrians.
She said that 90% of electricity and telephone cables have already been installed underground and the potable water service has also been improved. As part of the program, tourist guides, taxi drivers and small vendors along Calle El Conde and businesses have been given guidance on how to provide better services to generate more business.
Villalona said the program is now in its final year. In 2017, priorities are to open the Museo de las Atarazanas Reales (with a collection of underwater treasures), continue training programs and local entertainment programs such as live jazz concerts, consolidate the camera surveillance security program, complete the installation of 1,300 LED lighting units, and open a community center.
The Ministry of Tourism has already announced the start of a second program, this time with a budget of US$90 million, also in coordination with the Inter-American Development Bank.
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Listin Diario
