SANTO DOMINGO.- President Luis Abinader announced this Wednesday a special aid package valued at 12 billion pesos to address the damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa in different areas of the country.
The measure seeks to support the most affected sectors, including agriculture, commerce, public works, education and health.
During a press conference at the National Palace, the president explained that the Government has designed a comprehensive response that will allow the rapid rehabilitation of local roads and highways, as well as the reactivation of the national asphalt program that had been suspended by the rains.
“Asphalt and water do not go well together, that is why we hope to start work on Friday, if weather conditions allow it,” Abinader said.
The head of state also indicated that agricultural credits will be increased through the Agricultural Bank, with a contribution of 2 billion pesos to finance producers affected by the floods.
Likewise, he announced that direct aid will be granted to the municipalities that remained on red alert during the phenomenon, in order to guarantee cleaning, repair of community infrastructure and restoration of basic services.
In the health area, provisions have been made to avoid outbreaks of common diseases after the rains, while the Ministry of Education will evaluate the recovery of lost school days to comply with the school calendar.
Abinader also announced that the execution of the Cañadas Sanitation Plan will be accelerated, both in Greater Santo Domingo and in the provinces, with the support of INAPA and other institutions.
“We have made a comprehensive vision of all those affected and we are caring for each one. The Government’s commitment is that no one is left out of assistance,” concluded the president.
