President Luis Abinader in his 27 February 2025 address committed to restore the sea-bordering Malecon of Santo Domingo as axis of the capital city.
He admitted the development of Greater Santo Domingo has been “many times in a disorderly way, without comprehensive planning that harmonizes infrastructure, services and mobility, elements in his own words he recognized have many times been missing but are essential to guarantee a modern, functional city with quality of life for its inhabitants”.
“Given this reality, we announce the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Santo Domingo, an initiative directed by the City Government of the National District,” he said.
He said the intention is to take the necessary actions, with a sustainable development vision to 20 years, to transform the capital into a friendly, attractive and safe city.
One of the main pillars of this plan, he said, is the rehabilitation of the Malecón of Greater Santo Domingo through the “Santo Domingo del Mar” program. He said: “This project redefines our identity as a coastal city, recovering the value of our coastline and transforming it into an urban corridor for connection, development, and recreation. Furthermore, the plan includes private projects with economic and tourism impact, such as the construction of a marina and a new cruise terminal off the Malecón. These projects will boost the local economy and strengthen Santo Domingo’s position as a key destination in the region.”
President Abinader spoke of the start of efforts to build the 50,000 m² park on the site of the former Maharishi School, recently acquired by the government. He explained in his address that the park will connect Independence Avenue with George Washington Avenue (the Malecon) and will feature green and sports areas while enhancing the Monument to the Heroes of May 30th on the western side of the 14 km long Malecon.
He explained that another component of the plan is the construction of infrastructure service galleries beneath the main avenues, optimizing urban infrastructure. These galleries will be divided into two chambers: one wet for the sanitation system and stormwater drainage, and another dry for electrical networks, telecommunications, and transportation and security systems.
“With this ambitious plan, we are addressing historical problems in the city and laying the foundation for organized and sustainable growth. We are committed to building a Santo Domingo, where urban development and citizen well-being go hand in hand,” stated the President.
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Presidency
DR1 News
3 March 2025