President Luis Abinader denied the government has plans to privatize the Omsa, Santo Domingo Metro or skylift public transport operations. He also denied the privatizing of the National Cancer Institute (Incart) is also in the books. He said the government seeks to improve the efficiency of public services. He made the remarks after participating in the religious service at the Santo Cerro shrine in La Vega for the Our Lady of Mercedes religious holiday.
In interviews with Diario Libre and Esta Noche con Mariasela, the Public Private Partnership (APP) agency director, Sigmund Freund Mena likewise said the government does not contemplate public private alliances for the transport sector.
Freund Mena addressed the population’s concern that there could be a repeat of the situation affecting the Samana toll road. That highway was built by an international company that overestimated the traffic and as a result driving on that road costs six-times more in tolls than driving to Punta Cana, a similar distance. This has affected the development of Samana province. Freund Mena said that conversations are ongoing with the Samana road company for a solution regarding the toll road. He said the government is very aware of not repeating this situation that has worked against the Dominican people.
On the other hand, the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewage (Inapa) is going ahead with plans to attract private funding to build aqueducts for 30 communities. Included is the aqueduct for Punta Cana.
Follow the story in Spanish:
El Caribe
El Nuevo Diario
Diario Libre
Esta Noche Con Mariasela
Esta Noche con Mariasela
N Digital
25 September 2020