Tourist transporters halt routes amid violence over power outages

La Altagracia.- The National Association of Business Transporters and Hoteliers of La Altagracia (Asonatrahola) denounced that recurring blackouts from the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) in Higüey, La Otra Banda, and La Ceiba have sparked violent incidents that threaten the safety of drivers and passengers.

Since September 14, buses traveling through La Ceiba have been attacked with rocks during community protests, forcing operators to suspend service and creating a blockade on routes connecting Higüey, La Otra Banda, and La Ceiba. The disruption has paralyzed the transport system that moves hundreds of hotel employees daily to Bávaro, Verón, and Punta Cana, causing a major setback for the tourism sector—the country’s main economic driver.

Asonatrahola urgently called on the Ministry of Tourism, the National Institute of Land Transit and Transportation (Intrant), and the National Police to restore order and security on the affected routes. The group also demanded that Edeeste provide a prompt and effective solution to the power supply failures that have triggered the crisis.