Dominican President Unveils 48.49 KM of Roads in Santiago Mountains

SAN JOSÉ DE LAS MATAS, Dominican Republic — President Luis Abinader officially opened 48.49 kilometers (about 30 miles) of newly constructed roads and streets across several municipalities in the Sierra de Santiago region, a project aimed at bolstering regional connectivity, improving traffic safety, and stimulating economic and ecotourism growth.

The Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (Egehid) spearheaded the construction, investing RD 3.5 billion (approximately $59 million USD). These infrastructure improvements are part of Egehid's social commitment to communities near the Tavera–Bao–López-Angostura hydroelectric complex.

Rafael Salazar, Egehid's general administrator, emphasized that the new roadways fulfill a long-standing government pledge. He noted that the projects address years of community demands for better infrastructure that had previously gone unaddressed.

Salazar explained that Egehid collaborated with local and community authorities on the necessary studies, designs, and budgeting. This partnership allowed for the execution of the works, aligning with President Abinader's commitment to transform the region's road network.

The completed projects span the total 48.49 kilometers, encompassing several key routes. These include the Santiago–San José de las Matas highway, the initial phase of the San José de las Matas–Pedregal–Los Montones–Guázuma–Aguas Calientes road, internal streets in Las Placetas, and various thoroughfares within the municipal district of La Cuesta.

Beyond San José de las Matas, the improvements are expected to benefit other municipalities and districts, including Jánico, Sabana Iglesia, Baitoa, El Caimito, and Juncalito. Local authorities, neighborhood associations, and community groups actively supervised the work.

Eduardo Estrella, Minister of Public Works and Communications, affirmed that the Santiago province projects are integral to a national infrastructure investment policy championed by President Abinader. He stated that the Sierra region's intervention addresses a “historic debt” to communities that have sought better access roads and equitable development for decades.

Estrella highlighted the government's focus on building and rehabilitating primary, secondary, and internal roads connecting municipalities like San José de las Matas, Sabana Iglesia, Baitoa, Jánico, El Caimito, and El Rubio. Future plans include new bridges and strategic routes to boost agriculture, ecotourism, investment, and overall quality of life.

He assured that all infrastructure projects adhere to high-quality standards and involve close coordination with local authorities.

Santiago-San José de las Matas Highway

Among the inaugurated projects, 25.5 kilometers (about 15.8 miles) of the Santiago–San José de las Matas highway were completed. This section finalizes the crucial link between Santiago city and the municipality of San José de las Matas.

Las Placetas Municipal District Internal Streets

In the Las Placetas municipal district, 4.5 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) of reconstructed and asphalted streets were opened. This benefits sectors such as Las Placetas Arriba, Los Manguitos, Los Morillos, and the Suzo Núñez neighborhood.

La Cuesta Municipal District

This area saw the completion of 4.7 kilometers (about 2.9 miles) of the La Cuesta–Loma de los Palos road. Additionally, 4.5 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) of streets were improved in the El Cementerio, El Naranjito, Las Auyamas, and Callejón No. 1 sectors, totaling 9.2 kilometers (about 5.7 miles) of intervention.

San José de las Matas–Pedregal–Los Montones–Guázuma–Aguas Calientes Road (First Phase)

The first phase of the San José de las Matas–Pedregal–Los Montones–Guázuma–Aguas Calientes road also saw 9.17 kilometers (about 5.7 miles) inaugurated. Of this, 4.98 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) are fully finished, and 4.19 kilometers (about 2.6 miles) have been asphalted.

These projects are part of Egehid's broader social investment program, which aims to enhance road infrastructure in Santiago's Sierra communities. The goal is to provide safer, more modern, and resilient routes, fostering comprehensive development for thousands of families.

Notable attendees at the inauguration included Santiago Governor Rosa Santos, Senator Daniel Rivera, Santiago Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, San José de las Matas Mayor Alfredo Reyes, Coraasan General Director Andrés Cueto, and the municipal district directors of La Cuesta, Eddy Rivas, and El Rubio, Ivanova Ramos.