Democratic Option proposes Habitability Certificate to strengthen building safety

Santo Domingo.- The Democratic Option (Opción Democrática, OD) party has proposed the creation of a Certificate of Use and Habitability to improve infrastructure safety in the Dominican Republic and prevent tragedies like the recent collapse at the Jet Set entertainment center.

According to the proposal, the certificate would be a technical and legal document validating that a building is safe and suitable for occupancy, based on factors such as structural integrity, sanitation, electrical and fire safety, signage, accessibility, and environmental standards. Unlike current practices, this certificate would require renewal every ten years, or after changes in use, renovations, or natural events. It would also be linked to property transfers and insurance, promoting greater compliance and a culture of prevention.

The initiative was originally put forward by architect Roseric Mercedes, a former OD candidate in Santiago, and will be formally submitted to Congress, the Ministry of Housing (MIVED), and local governments. It has the backing of OD Secretary General Miguel Alejandro Martínez, a civil engineer and disaster risk expert, who emphasized the urgent need to end the country’s culture of institutional negligence and urban deregulation.

A technical committee involving MIVED, Onesvie, local mayors, and fire departments would oversee issuance of the certificate. OD is calling on authorities and professionals to support this preventive public policy to ensure safe, regulated living spaces for all Dominicans.