Dominican President Opens Key Road, Fulfilling 40-Year Promise

SAN CRISTÓBAL, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — Dominican President Luis Abinader inaugurated a vital 5-kilometer road segment in San Cristóbal on Thursday, completing a project demanded by local communities for over four decades. The Sabana Toro–La Rosa stretch aims to significantly enhance regional connectivity and economic development.

The Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (Egehid) spearheaded the project, investing more than 200.9 million Dominican pesos (approximately $3.4 million USD). This initiative forms part of the state-owned company's social responsibility efforts to bolster infrastructure and community welfare near its hydroelectric ventures, including the Valdesia plant, which the new road services.

Developed by Grupo Gil Calvo SRL, the extensive rehabilitation included new curbs and sidewalks, asphalt paving, vertical and horizontal signage, storm drainage systems, gully clearing, and the relocation of medium-voltage electrical poles.

Rafael Salazar, Egehid's general administrator, emphasized the road's transformative impact for Sabana Toro, La Rosa, and surrounding areas like Villegas and Telín. He noted the route not only links Sabana Toro and La Rosa but also offers a direct path from Cambita and Los Cacaos to Villa Altagracia, bypassing downtown San Cristóbal.

"This project, while seemingly straightforward, represented a pending debt of more than 40 years," Salazar stated. "Thanks to President Abinader, we have fulfilled a just demand from hardworking communities that have earned their development through effort."

Salazar also mentioned that Egehid, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, paved internal streets within Sabana Toro, benefiting dozens of families. He urged residents to help maintain the new road, stressing its potential for community growth and improved living conditions.

During the blessing ceremony, Pastor Pedro Peguero Placencia underscored the importance of public decisions focused on collective well-being and transparency. He highlighted how infrastructure projects directly improve residents' quality of life and foster safer, more productive environments.

The pastor described the road rehabilitation as addressing a historical need, noting the previous challenges residents, students, and producers faced in transportation for years. He also called on the community to preserve the new road, linking its long-term benefit to civic responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Asunción Brito expressed gratitude to President Abinader. Brito affirmed the road's direct positive influence on mobility, economic activities, and access to essential services for local families.

Among those present at the inauguration were Governor Pura Casilla, San Cristóbal Mayor Nelson de la Rosa, Senator Gustavo Lara Salazar, Deputy Otoniel Tejeda, and José Fructuoso, president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (Codia).