Olmedo León, of the Cibao Ecological Society (Soeci), warns that the shortcut to Puerto Plata from Santiago, the Ambar Highway, would cause major environmental damages to the area. He said the area is karstic rock that erodes with subterranean waters, not adequate for a highway construction. León said that no environmental impact study would favor the road construction that he described as a “whim” of the President of the Republic.
Olmedo León considers the authorities should improve the existing roads. He said tourists want to enjoy the landscape on the way and not travel inside a tunnel such as the Amber Highway contemplates.
President Abinader had announced the construction of the Amber Highway since the start of his administration in August 2020. The road would be built as a public-private alliance.
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2 June 2021