All-powerful and tough Antonio Marte, president of the National Confederation of Transport Organizations (Conatra), says he is not moving his operation at Km. 9. The Ministry of Public Works is trying to finish the roadworks at the site to enable traffic to flow between the capital city and the north, southern and northeastern crossroads. Several bypasses converge at the site.
Conatra is a transport company that used violent measures in its time to gain the monopoly of routes and keep competitors out. Its leader, Antonio Marte moved into politics and is today a honorable senator representing the province of Santiago Rodriguez, in addition to keeping his monopoly of many key transport routes and other business ventures.
Noticias SIN interviewed him recently and he confirmed that he will not be moving the bus stop at Km 9.
Despite rumors and initial plans from the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) suggesting relocation, Marte told Noticias SIN they will stay put.
Noticias SIN remarks that if Marte’s statements hold true, one of the primary traffic concerns at the northern exit of the National District will remain unresolved. Construction work on the promised expansion, initially projected for 10 months but now extended to 29 months since groundbreaking, continues at a slow pace.
According to a MOPC statement issued at the start of construction, plans included building two new bridges on the north and south sides parallel to the existing ones, each 30 meters long and 7.0 meters wide. The project aimed to expand this section of the highway from 8 to 14 lanes.
As reported, a commission led by MOPC Minister Deligne Ascención and Presidency Minister Joel Santos held meetings with the Conatra kingpin in an attempt to motivate the needed move to complete the roadworks. Noticias SIN concludes that evidently they failed to persuade the influential transport leader and government-aligned senator for Santiago Rodríguez province.
In an interview with NoticiasSIN.com, Marte explained that although various alternatives were considered to facilitate the highway expansion, he has decided to maintain the current bus stop location. “We’ve been there for over 50 years. What needs to be found is an alternative for the 14 lanes the government wants,” he said.
Marte mentioned discussions about relocating the stop to the Metropolitan Bus Services Office (OMSA) terminal, but this option proved unfeasible. “They haven’t found us a suitable place yet,” he added.
Noticias SIN reports that negotiations for relocation surfaced between April and October 2023, with talks held at Conatra’s headquarters between Santos and Marte. In April 2023, Marte indicated he had no issue with vacating the space if acceptable new terminal grounds are found.
At that time, plans were discussed for a new terminal at kilometer 9 ½ of the Duarte highway, funded by a loan exceeding RD$200 million repayable over 20 years through Banco de Reservas.
However, these negotiations apparently did not materialize.
Regarding renovations, Marte disclosed to NoticiasSIN.com that the government’s latest proposal involves adapting the stop to accommodate the expansion. “We’ll remodel it, make it smaller. The exit will be moved to the rear instead of the front. It will all work out,” he assured.
Despite government expectations to complete the works by August 2024, Marte acknowledged progress has been slow. At present, commuters endure slow passing through the intersection.
The Ministry of Public Works did not reply to inquiries by Noticias SIN as to what is next for the important crossroad.
In a related story, Conatra is also battling the government’s efforts to offer safe transport to school children through the Trae Program.
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Noticias SIN
Noticias SIN
23 July 2024