Environment denies foot-dragging over damages in highlands

Santo Domingo.- Environment minister Bautista Rojas onMonday said they’ve been working to solve the problem of water and land use in thehighland towns of Jarabacoa and Constanza, in central La Vega province.

The official responded to a report by newspaper Hoy, where SantoDomingo State University (UASD) Science Academy member and environmentalist LuisCarvajal revealed environmental damage in the valleys and mountains

Carvajal said authorities have failed to enforce variousregulations on agriculture and “the permissiveness to powerful sectors,” whomhe affirms have taken over protected areas which are key factors to produce water.

The environmentalist said Environment is very strict incertain areas, but “indolent with the occupations of protected areas by seniorofficials and political leaders.”

"The problem is not Constanza’s extreme poverty it’sits extreme wealth and the extreme power which manifests itself indecently,"the environmentalist said.

But despite admitting the problems, Rojas said "Environmentalauthorities at no time have stood still in dealing with the situation."

He said those who’ve violated regulations in the area havebeen penalized and others have been subpoenaed over various “situations.”