Elías Piña Education Complex Set for November Opening After Decade-Long Halt

ELÍAS PIÑA, Dominican Republic — A long-stalled educational complex in this border province, comprising a university campus and an experimental high school, is rapidly nearing completion and is expected to open by late November, officials announced.

The School Infrastructure Directorate (DIE) confirmed the brisk pace of construction for the facility, which will house a campus for the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and an experimental high school. Roberto Herrera, head of the DIE, indicated during a recent supervisory tour that the building is projected for delivery by the end of November, provided favorable weather conditions allow for continuous work.

“We are making every possible effort to complete the work as quickly as possible, ensuring it meets the required quality standards,” Herrera stated. He emphasized adherence to directives from President Luis Abinader and Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps, aiming for high-quality educational and university projects nationwide.

Migdaly de los Santos, the provincial governor, expressed gratitude to President Abinader for his commitment to realizing the project. She also acknowledged the Ministry of Education and the DIE for accelerating the construction, calling the complex a significant step forward for the southern region’s educational, professional, social, and economic development.

“This project is vital for this border zone, a province overlooked by previous administrations,” de los Santos commented. “President Luis Abinader is prioritizing and strengthening education by considering UASD and other school projects across the country.”

The Elías Piña Experimental High School and UASD Campus features 25 classrooms, a laboratory, and a dining hall. It is designed to function as a pedagogical model center, serving basic to high school students during the day and operating as a university at night.

Initially stalled and abandoned for 12 years, the project was reactivated by the current administration. Its completion, in collaboration with UASD authorities, will ensure students from Elías Piña and surrounding areas can pursue university education locally, eliminating the need to travel to Santo Domingo or other cities.