Throngs visit artificial beach, some question idea

Santo Domingo. – As many as 230,000 people visited the artificial beach built along a 400 meter span of Santo Domingo’s seaside avenue Malecon from Thursday to Sunday, when the capital’s dwellers could enjoy the makeshift “resort” during the Easter holidays.

The authorities lauded the citizens’ behavior and stressed that no injuries or incidents had been reported.

The project however did have its detractors, including the journalist Juanny Uribe, who noted that Santo Domingo mayor Roberto Salcedo didn’t submit it to the City Council for approval, nor reveal its cost.

Some of the Malecon’s hoteliers also noted their disagreement, but discreetly, affirming that the activity snarled traffic and inconvenienced guests.