Santo Domingo.-Yesterday, President Luis Abinader inaugurated the El Cercado-Hondo Valle-Juan Santiago highway, a work that improves road connection in the border area and which, he stated, will serve as a boost for tourism and agricultural production in one of the most backward regions of the country.
The president pointed out that the road, abandoned for years, represents a key step to integrate historically isolated communities.
“We completed this highway in the best way. It is part of our development vision for the South, not only to offer a quality road, but to be the starting point for agricultural and tourism growth in the region,” he said.
Minister Eduardo Estrella highlighted the reduction in travel time from Santo Domingo to Hondo Valle. “Before, the journey took around six and a half hours; now, thanks to the new infrastructure and works such as the Azua and Baní ring roads and the Pintura overpass, the journey takes about four hours.
It is a saving of more than two hours that directly impacts the quality of life of those who travel for work, business or family reasons,” he noted.
Estrella added that the highway is part of a strategy to create opportunities in rural areas and prevent migration to large cities. “President Abinader is building a wall of development so that people can progress in their own towns,” he said.
Characteristics
The work, about 22 kilometers and with an investment of more than RD$1,000 million, was executed by the Ministry of Public Works. Its construction involved intervening in mountainous sections, critical points and rural areas affected for decades by landslides and the deterioration generated by the rains.
The authorities highlighted that the highway will allow safer transit for residents, producers and transporters, in addition to facilitating access to basic services and boosting the local economy.
The road directly connects the municipalities of El Cercado, Hondo Valle and Juan Santiago, and impacts communities such as Pinar Grande, Los Arroyos, Los Guineos, Los Botados, Rancho de la Guardia, El Cruce, Club de la Frontera and Cañada Negra.
According to data from the National Statistics Office (ONE) and municipal projections, more than 45,000 people will benefit directly and indirectly from this infrastructure, which improves territorial integration, boosts agricultural production and strengthens local commerce.
Security
– Commitment
The governor of Elías Piña, Migdaly de los Santos, highlighted that the highway puts an end to years of isolation and improves mobility and access to vital services. The governor of San Juan, Ana María Castillo, praises the work.
