The executive director of the Dominican Association of Free Zones, Jose Torres, says that the principal concern of the executives of this sector is the housing situation of the workers. Torres commended the coordination of management and workers to repair both the free zones in order to reinitiate work and help workers repair their own homes. The free zones have distributed construction material to their workers and made extra payments to assist these with their repairs. Likewise, free meals are being distributed in most free zone parks. Fifty percent of the free zones of the country did not suffer damages as these are located in the north or northeast of the country. Likewise, another 12% of the total production is located in three private parks located in Santo Domingo (Itabo, Las Americas and San Isidro), that are built of concrete structures. Those most affected are in La Romana and San Pedro and estimates are that these will be back into operation by the end of October. According to a report in El Siglo, the director of the Corporación de Fomento Industrial, Jose Tomás Pérez estimates that free zone exports will be US$2,800 million this year, up from US$2,500 million last year, despite the effects of the hurricane. He reported that the most affected free zones are located in San Pedro de Macoris, where 50% of the plants suffered problems with their roofs. Likewise, the Hato Mayor free zone suffered major damages, with two plants losing roofs and part of their walls. In Los Alcarrizos, about 40% of the plants suffered damages, as well as those in La Romana and Higuey. He explained that most of these plants are insured and that 60% of the companies in San Pedro de Macoris are back in operation. He estimated that 80% will be back into operation this week. He said there are some companies not back into operation because they suffered heavy losses to the raw materials and the machinery and structural damages that will keep them out of operation for one or two months The CFI has 270 industrial palants located in 13 parks. Those located in the North, Noreast and the Cibao Central — La Vega, San Francisco de Macoris, Bonao and Moca did not suffer damages. The CFI estimates the free zone parks will be back to normal in a month’s time.
