On April 8, President Luis Abinader and Mayor Carolina Mejía started the work of the third and fourth stage of the renovation project “Paris and Surroundings”, but for merchants and residents of the area, the work has not progressed at the expected rate, which has caused problems in trade and coexistence.
The third section, which includes from Josefa Brea to Doctor Betances, is the most advanced. A large part of the sidewalks and embankments have already been finished, but the work on the sanitary drainage system, lighting, placement of booths and beautification still needs to be completed.
For merchantsthe works march “too slow”, which has caused losses in their businesses because since there is no traffic through the place, sales have plummeted. “They have been there for months (Josefa Brea, Doctor Betances section) and in the other they have been there for three months and not much has been done,” said a merchant who did not want to be named.
Free Daily He was able to confirm that several commercial establishments are closed because their owners decided so due to low sales. They affirmed that only between 10 and 15 percent are sold compared to before the start of work.
Few people use the space set up to walk around the fronts of the businesses where mud, water and fecal matter from the discharge from buildings that have not been connected to the sanitation system abound.
The owner of a pastry shop when asked about the situation said: “Look at the sample, (pointing to the display case full of merchandise), is that no one has come here since these works began, we are desperate, we can’t find what to do”, held.
Free Daily sought the opinion of the National District Mayor’s Office about the situation, but it was not possible to get a reaction.
