Dominican government begins construction of 14.5-kilometer border fence in Jimaní

Jimaní, DR.- The Dominican government, through the Ministry of Defense (MIDE), has begun construction of a 14.5-kilometer section of the second phase of the border perimeter fence in Jimaní, Independencia province, as part of efforts to strengthen territorial control and border security along the Haitian border.

The new section will feature six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and a height of 13 feet, along with patrol roads totaling seven meters in width on both sides of the fence. The infrastructure is designed to improve surveillance, facilitate military mobility, and enhance response capabilities in the area.

The project is strategically located in the Enriquillo Basin, near Lake Azuey, also known as Lake Fondo, an area that has historically faced challenges related to the irregular movement of goods and other illicit activities. Authorities say the existing controls operated by the Dominican Army and CESFRONT have reduced such activities, with the new infrastructure expected to further strengthen those efforts.

Fernández Onofre said the project forms part of President Luis Abinader’s “Strong Border” strategy, which combines military presence, infrastructure, technology, surveillance, mobility, and interagency coordination to reinforce territorial security while supporting development in border communities.

The project also has economic significance because Jimaní is home to a major binational market and one of the country’s busiest border crossings for heavy trucks and container traffic. Authorities expect the new infrastructure to strengthen efforts against smuggling and help create a safer and more organized environment for legal trade.

Following the Jimaní ceremony, Fernández Onofre and the OPM delegation traveled to Dajabón to inspect another section of the border fence under construction. The visit allowed the delegation to assess construction progress and the integration of the fence with surveillance, patrol, and security systems along the northern border.

The construction in Jimaní, together with the ongoing expansion in Dajabón, is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the operational and technological capabilities of the Armed Forces, territorial control, and security infrastructure along the Dominican-Haitian border.