It seems it’s pretty much up to the builder whether the current law to protect neighbors and pedestrians is complied with. Diario Libre reports that some builders disregard the law, while others right nearby are seen spending the extra cash to prevent accidents.
In the report by Adalberto de la Rosa in Diario Libre, he points out the Ministry of Housing and Edifications should ensure the application of the law.
Nevertheless, he said it is normal for construction projects across Santo Domingo to put pedestrians at risk by violating urban safety regulations. Many sites lack essential safeguards like protective netting and covered walkways, exposing the public to potential hazards.
Journalists observed numerous building sites in both the National District and Santo Domingo province that fail to install safety nets. These nets are crucial for protecting people and adjacent properties from falling debris, dust, and other construction materials. Even more concerning, many projects do not provide covered walkways for pedestrians, forcing them to navigate directly beside active construction zones and risk being struck by falling objects.
Diario Libre reports that this widespread neglect of safety standards directly contravenes local laws. For example, Article 144 of Law 63-17 on Traffic and Mobility prohibits littering public roads with waste that could harm health, the environment, or public safety. Violators face a fine equivalent to one minimum public sector salary. Article 145 further bans the use of public thoroughfares for storing construction materials, with exceptions only for road repair projects.
While some construction sites, like the World Trade Center Santo Domingo on Av. Winston Churchill corner Av. Gustavo Mejia Ricart, have adhered to these safety regulations by installing proper covered walkways and protective barriers, many others do not. In a few instances, developers use netting to cover the building itself but still neglect to protect the pedestrian areas below. In many neighborhoods where smaller buildings are being erected, these safety measures are rarely implemented.
The report in Diario Libre emphasizes that the Ministry of Housing and Edifications (MIVED) and municipal authorities are the government entities responsible for inspecting and enforcing these safety protocols throughout all stages of construction. However, the current state of many sites suggests a significant gap in oversight and enforcement.
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Diario Libre
13 August 2025