Given the announcement of possible mining exploration and exploitation permits that the Dominican government would award to foreign companies in southwestern San Juan de la Maguana, specifically in the water source area for the Yaque del Sur River, legislators in the area have approved a resolution declaring the area a “Mining Free Region”.
Bahoruco deputy, Edward Jorge Gómez, noted that 19 legislators from the southern region have approved a resolution by Al Pais deputy Fidelio Despradel that rejects approvals of exploration or exploitation permits in the hydrographical basin of the Yaque del Sur River. He also mentioned the river that feeds the Enriquillo and San Juan valley areas also originates there, and that the river is not just for those who live in the province but for the whole region.
Gomez said that they did not want to repeat the experience of those living in Sánchez Ramírez (Cotui) province where mining exploitation has caused serious problems for the population and agriculture.
San Juan de la Maguana deputy Lucía Medina declared that no type of mining permit had yet been given by the government in the province, but that a permit had been given to a company to carry out mining explorations in the area. She went on to say that, constitutionally the state has every right to issue the permits if the company was to make an investment and this is within the legal framework of the country.
Deputy Jorge Gómez asked that if they were not going to carry eventually exploit the region’s natural resources, then why carry out the studies. He called for support of the President to sustainable development and not mining exploitation in the San Juan de la Maguana valley area.
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Listin Diario
7 December 2017
