Geologist and member of the Dominican Academy of Sciences, geological engineer Osiris de León, is calling for urgent legal reforms to mandate periodic inspections of building structures across the Dominican Republic. While current laws ensure sound construction practices at the outset, he warned that ongoing environmental stressors—such as seismic vibrations, acid rain, and coastal salt—gradually compromise structural integrity, as reported in Diario Libre.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that while the Dominican Republic has sound laws and regulations governing construction, a critical legal and procedural gap exists: the lack of required follow-up assessments of aging structures.
De León emphasized that public buildings should be regularly assessed to prevent future risks.
He particularly highlighted the risk to hospitals, schools, stadiums, churches, and theaters. “These structures, which accommodate large numbers of people, must be periodically inspected to ensure public safety,” De León insisted.
He also recommended incorporating traditional construction practices, such as using alkaline water in concrete, to improve long-term durability.
He currently chairs the Presidential Commission for the Supervision of Public Infrastructure under Climate Change, established by Decree 603-23. The commission includes CODIA, UASD, PUCMM, INTEC, UNPHU, MOPC, MIVED, and ONESVIE.
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Diario Libre
14 April 2025