The Association of Promoters and Builders of Housing in Cibao (Aprocovici) announced the stoppage of all construction projects for an indefinite time. The decision leaves thousands of workers jobless. Juan D?az, president of the organization, said that the members of the association resolved at a recent assembly to stop the projects in view of the rising prices of construction materials. Aprocovici calls other builders nationwide to stop construction material purchases until prices return to adequate levels. He said that a bag of cement that last June 2002 cost RD$77 today is selling for RD$170.