City barrios gathered under the umbrella of the Committee for the Defense of Barrio Rights (Copadeba) announced their opposition to the construction of the metro. Agustina Piron, speaking for several largely populated Santo Domingo slum neighborhoods (including Simon Bolivar, Los Guandules, Gualey, Guachupita, La Cienaga and 27 de Febrero) told Diario Libre newspaper that her members believe the government should invest in health, education, electricity and improvement of conditions in the barrios. “Copadeba asks President Leonel Fernandez what is the priority of the government ? the metro or fighting crime and the economic crisis that affects the country.” She said the members of the organization consider that such an ambitious project merits an in depth study, but should not receive treatment of a national priority.
Despite widespread opposition the construction of the metro has received, the government seems to be moving ahead with the project, so far treating it as if it was the nation’s priority.