US$176.4M ‘shadow toll’ road spurs Dominican Republic corruption probe

Santo Domingo.- The Accounts Chamber on Wednesday announcedit will audit the operations of the Santo Domingo – Samana highway, managed bythe contractor Autopistas del Nordeste SA, as allegations of corruption with a “shadowtoll” emerged during the last few months.

Dominican Anticorruption Alliance coordinator Julio Cesarde la Rosa had requested the audit the roadway to Accounts Chamber presidentLicelot Marte de Barrios, who said the entity had approved the request.

He said through the Free Access to Public Information Lawthe audit will also include Autopistas del Nordeste, SA, which will have to rendera detailed report on tolls.

More than RD$7.0 billion

De la Rosa said since the highway opened the contractor hasreceived the “astronomical sum RD$7.95 billion (US$176.4 million), since the 30-yearcontract "guaranteed minimum income" widely known as a “shadow toll.”