The construction of buildings which are to be used for two-year technical degrees at the state-run Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) is about to be stopped, according to the Listin Diario newspaper. In its 3 May edition, the newspaper reports that the Interamerican Development Bank, which is sharing the cost of the project with UASD and FUNDAPEC, is asking the university authorities to pay approximately RD$3,000,000 per month as part of its financial contribution to the construction of the buildings, which are estimated to cost RD$110 million.
According to unnamed sources at UASD a representative of the IDB has sent a written warning in which he threatens to stop construction if the state-funded university does not pay its share. Representatives of the IDB and of FUNDEPEC were not available for comment.
The technical studies scheme, proposed ten years ago but only now getting started, is to include degrees in tourism, metal-working, refrigeration, plumbing, electricity, and many engineering support projects. According to the source at UASD, the university has repeatedly asked the central government for the funds necessary to pay for the construction, but still remains unsuccessful.
10-16 May 1996