Pressure spurs Dominican Republic to halt aggregates, lumbering

Santo Domingo.- Afterweeks of intense pressure Environment minister Bautista Rojas on Tuesdayannounced the suspension of all extraction of aggregates and lumbering as longas the drought lasts in the Dominican Republic.

In a statement Environmentsaid the precautionary measure aims to protect the country´s environment andnatural resources. "All extraction of construction materials and timber areprovisionally suspended throughout the national territory while the dry seasoncontinues as a way to protect our natural resources."

"The Ministry ofEnvironment and Natural Resources will continue the efforts to protect andpreserve the environmental heritage,” the agency said.

“Faced with theeffects of the seasonal drought in the country, the measure is necessary for thepopulation continue to become aware of this phenomenon and take the measuresrecommended by the authorities.”