Dominican Republic Unveils Housing, School, Hospital Projects in Santiago

SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader inaugurated 180 new apartments and an elementary school in Hato del Yaque, Santiago, on Saturday, alongside a state-of-the-art specialized hospital, reinforcing the government's commitment to housing, education, and healthcare infrastructure.

The new housing units are part of the Mi Vivienda Plan, benefiting 180 families. This latest delivery brings the total to 1,320 new units provided by the Ministry of Housing and Edifications (Mived) to families previously living in vulnerable conditions along riverbanks and ravines in areas like Arroyo Gurabo.

Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing and Edifications, urged residents to maintain the new spaces. "Care for the common areas and uphold order and coexistence, because when a community is cared for, it strengthens and progresses," Bonilla said.

Wellington Arnaud, executive director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewers (Inapa), highlighted the improved living standards for beneficiaries who previously lacked public services. He added that President Abinader has fulfilled his promise to "leave no one behind," stating that "every cent invested by President Abinader has been to improve the quality of life for Dominicans."

Leonardo Aguilera, executive president of Banco de Reservas, noted that the families would now live with dignity in a harmonious environment. The entire housing project represents an investment of approximately 6 billion Dominican pesos.

The housing complex spans over 296,000 square meters and includes green areas, recreational zones, parking for vehicles and motorcycles, and institutional spaces. It also features a basketball court, aiming to foster community development and organized neighborhoods in Santiago province.

New School Opens Doors

Following the housing inauguration, the Escuela Básica Hato del Yaque was officially opened, benefiting more than 650 students. The new facility addresses a significant community demand for educational infrastructure.

The school features five blocks, including one administrative and four educational blocks, housing a total of 26 classrooms. It also provides a student dining hall with seating for 360 pupils, a kitchen, a basketball court, and parking facilities.

Advanced Medical Hospital Inaugurated

Later in the day, President Abinader, accompanied by Vice President Raquel Peña, participated in the inauguration of the Hospital Especializado de Medicina Avanzada (HEMA). This modern, third-level care center adheres to international standards for medical and surgical services, marking a new phase in the country's high-complexity health services.

HEMA is projected to create 1,100 jobs and will eventually house 179 beds and 80 consulting rooms, which will open in phases, beginning with an outpatient stage. The facility will include diagnostic imaging and external consultations.

Minister of Public Health, Dr. Víctor Atallah, emphasized HEMA's significant contribution to addressing the country's growing demand for hospital beds and strengthening the healthcare system. He also highlighted Santiago de los Caballeros' emerging role as a national and regional health reference, transforming it into a health tourism cluster.

Atallah praised HEMA's design, which incorporates international quality and safety standards, with aspirations for accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI).

Engineer Carlos Cabrera, co-founder of HEMA, described the inauguration as historic, signaling a new era for Dominican healthcare built on a modern business vision, efficient management, and strong social commitment. He extended special gratitude to President Abinader for his presence and the government's support in strengthening the national health system through responsible private investment.

Among the officials joining President Abinader were Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, Senator Daniel Rivera, and Governor Rosa María Santos.