Repaving of busy avenue reveals Dominican government blunder

Santo Domingo.- The Public Works Ministry and the Santo Domingo water utility (CAASD) yesterday began to repave 5.8 k kilometers on Romulo Betancourt (Bolivar) Av., after weeks of dust and detours from the installation of a 16-inch water main.

The repaving of the major avenue comes after it was repaved just months ago, and revealed a lack of coordination by government agencies that leave taxpayers footing the bill.

Public Works minister Gonzalo Castillo said the avenue will be repaved in the measure that the CAASD concludes its work to maintain water service.

"We are working in both directions. The first is to replace the asphalt and paint and signal to make it like new. The second is a process of improved sidewalks, curbs, ramps and beautifying the area," Castillo said.

CAASD director Alejandro Montas said the work on the Romulo Betancourt costs nearly RD$100 million, of a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank.