President Luis Abinader stated that never before had so many roads been built in the Sierra, upon inaugurating strategic routes in La Vega and Santiago that are transforming regional connectivity.
Roads in the Sierra: New entrance to Jarabacoa
In Jarabacoa, Luis Abinader officially opened the 8.3-kilometer road connecting the municipal district of Tavera with the municipality. This work, executed by the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (EGEHID), benefits communities such as Alto del Aguacate, Loma Firme, and El Añil, near the Tavera dam. The president explained that it will serve as a second entrance from the Duarte Highway, reducing the trip to 40 minutes to Hato Viejo, with additional improvements by EGEHID and the Ministry of Public Works.
Impact on mobility and economy
These roads in the Sierra boost access to mountainous areas, facilitating the transport of agricultural products and ecotourism. Historically, the region has depended on precarious routes, but under the current government, paving is being accelerated to balance development.
In San José de las Matas, Luis Abinader inaugurated the Sajoma-Pedregal-Los Montones-Guazuma roads, plus the Rincón de Piedra-Carrizal road, totaling 9.8 km with an investment of RD$872 million by EGEHID. In total, 48.49 km of roadways were delivered in the Sierra de Santiago, with RD$3.5 billion invested, impacting Jánico, La Cuesta, and communities such as Pedregal and Carrizal.
Historical context and official statements
Abinader emphasized that these are the greatest roads in the Sierra ever built in La Vega, Santiago, and Santiago Rodríguez. The Minister of Public Works, Eduardo Estrella, highlighted that they respond to a policy of balanced development, acknowledging the area’s water contribution to the country. Official sources confirm they strengthen road safety and the local economy, surpassing previous interventions.
- Key benefits: Improved transit, access to markets, and tourism.
- Total investment: Billions in mountain infrastructure.
- Impacted communities: More than a dozen in mountainous areas.
Additionally, Abinader participated in the Regional Book Fair at the Gran Teatro del Cibao. These roads in the Sierra mark a milestone in connectivity, with experts noting their role in reducing travel times and boosting the regional GDP. In the Sierra, where topography complicates construction, this effort reaffirms historical road commitments.