Eduardo Lamarche Rey in an op-ed commentary on 17 April in Hoy writes that the controversial Cibao-South Highway proposed by the Medina administration could cost upwards of US$500 million. <\/p>\n
He comments that the proposed Cibao-South Highway would pass through three national parks. Rey noted that a contract to construct the Ocoa-Sabana Larga-Piedra Blanca highway has been rescinded. There is speculation the Cibao-South Highway is being built to give a boost to mining concessions granted by the Medina administration. Indeed, the new road would cross through mineral rich areas in three mountains n Loma de la Pelona, Loma del Corral and Cordillera Central <\/p>\n
Opponents to the project say there are many alternative roads that connect the regions and that the costs of improving and repairing these existing roads would be much less that constructing the new highway. <\/p>\n
Lamarche says the new road would impact several rivers, including Yaque del Norte, Bao, De los Negros, Mijo, Blanco, Yabano and Jagua. Likewise, it could impact the Bao, Cienaga de Sabaneta and Moncion dams that provide waters for the northwest and the province of San Juan de la Maguana. <\/p>\n
Lamarche reports that the road would be fast-tracked by the government and that this fast track authority allows payments up to 50% over the level of spending authorized by the government for a signed construction contract <\/p>\n
Lamarche urges that the government schedule a series of public hearings on this controversial highway project. <\/p>\n
M\u00e1s sobre la carretera Cibao-Sur, la raz\u00f3n de la sin raz\u00f3n<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n