They detect high risk of collapse in Chinese shops

The Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) on Friday the results of the broad national operation of inspection and supervision of commercial buildings, in which serious structural deficiencies were detected in 11 establishments, including several shops of foreign capital, especially of Chinese origin.

During a press conference headed by the Minister of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), Carlos Bonilla, the findings were presented and warned about the risks of collapse that these constructions represent, many of which were closed by breach of the current technical and legal standards.

Start of operations

Engineer Edgar José Pellerano, director of supervision of private works, explained that the MIVED Performs these operations since its creation, with the aim of ensuring that all buildings comply with the Construction codes and national structural security laws, without discrimination between national or foreign businesses.

“The simply interest of the Ministry is regularization and that businesses can operate and be useful to society. It is not of our interest to stop the commercial train, but to demand what by law is responsible for us, ”said the official.

Inspections They intensified as a result of several incidents recorded in recent years, especially in places and businesses that house a large number of people.

Case 1: Chen ship – Santiago

One of the cases that gave rise to this operation was that of the Chen shipin Santiago.

On September 11, 2024, an inspection determined that The structure lacked approved plansconstruction license and structural memories.

Despite notifications and citations, The owners did not respond.

On November 28, 2024, The front facade of the ship collapsed (Baza Square) Partially, affecting interior beams that presented torsion and irreparable failures.

The experts concluded that the collapse was due to welding defects and structural deformations.

Despite the closure, The business was reopened irregularlyat night schedules, and the case continues in litigation.

“We want to highlight that this business is still in litigation and how you want He used Artimañas: working at night, working weekend to go under the radar of the MIVED And he ended up opening, “said the engineer.

Case 2: Trade in Santiago (closed on August 27, 2025)

Another establishment was intervened after Neighborhood complaints.

He MIVED applied the same notification protocol, CONCILIATION AND LEGAL CITATION. The owners did not appear and continue the works at irregular schedules.

On August 27, the institution ordered the closure.
The competent court ratified the decision of the MIVEDby failing in his favor in an appeal for amparo.

National operation results (2024-2025)

Between 2024 and 2025, The MIVED He notified dozens of establishments throughout the country.

A part was regularized after notification.
Others are in legal process.
A minor group went to litigation for total breach.

Although deficiencies in national and foreign businesses were detected, most irregularities correspond to businesses foreign capitalmainly Chinese, said the authorities of the MIVED.

Technical and structural findings

The inspection teams found critical failures that compromise the stability of buildings:

Beams and columns without anchoring to the foundation, generating vulnerable soft floors before earthquakes.
Porous welds and bolts without adequate torque.
Oxidized elements, deficient unions and incorrect perforations.
Non -certified materials, mainly metal structures of pre -assembled Chinese origin, which do not comply with the standards or present quality certificates.
Overload at higher levels, with additions not contemplated in the original design, such as additional buildings, pools and large trees.

A particular case revealed a column at the third level that does not reach the first level, Committing roof support.

Specialized studies

The reports They were referred to the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (ONESVI), whose analysis determined:

An estimated damage of 70 % damage to a moderate earthquake.
Risk of premature failures in structural connections.
Use of steel porches at the moment with filling masonry not approved by local regulations.

Structuralist engineer Luis Abbott warned that some buildings could collapse even without a seismic event, so he urged to perform immediate technical evaluations.

“All those things we find make the structure do not meet the fundamental purpose, which is life prevention. So, there is a topic that must be addressed in that structure immediately, preparing a deeper study to distinguish what is what is The degree of vulnerability That has and then work immediately. That is the main recommendation to prevent and avoid collapses in those businesses that many people house at the same time, “he explained

Technical recommendations

The Uonesvi and the review unit and Building inspection (Urib) recommended:

Detailed and immediate structural evaluation, with destructive tests of the materials.
Reinforcement of the first levels to eliminate soft floors.
Redistribution of loads at higher levels.
Welding repair and adjustment of tinging systems.
Traceability verification and certification of materials used.

The MIVED He reiterated his commitment to structural security and the preservation of human lives, stressing that the measures adopted do not seek to sanction commercial activity, but to prevent tragedies.

Infographic — Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing and Buildings. (**External source**)

The minister the Minister of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), Carlos Bonillacalled to citizens who, if the structures do not have the guarantee of the Dominican State, “we do not recommend that they go, unfortunately, because their life is not guaranteed as that is being built in this way.”

During his speech, Bonilla was emphatic in stating that human life is above any economic interest.

“Saving lives is above any economic activity, it is above making money, to build, whatever. If a life is lost there (closed stores), If one does not close or one does not take appropriate measures, our work, in reality, makes no sense, “said Bonilla.

[object HTMLTextAreaElement] — The MIVED held an encounter with the representatives of the closed establishments, in which the technical findings were presented in detail and in which the institution reiterated its willingness to accompany them in the correction of the deficiencies detected. (**External source**)

According to current regulations, closed establishments, including Supplax, Plaza Hope, Central Depot, Central Point, Ming Sheng, Me Home (Nine Mall), La Rocca, Dulce Home, Shopping Center New World, Std Mall and I, among others, did not comply with The established legal requirements for the operation of buildings in the national territory.

Law No. 687-82, which governs the exercise of engineering, architecture and related professions, together with the R-004 technical regulations (Decree 232-17) and R-021 (Decree 576-06), expressly establishes the obligation to have a construction license and a final inspection certification as indispensable conditions for the occupation and commissioning of any property. These provisions seek to guarantee structural security, adequate functionality and user protection against constructive or operation risks.

Failure to comply with these requirements represents a violation of technical and legal regulations, and It constitutes a potential risk for physical integrity of people and goods, which is why the competent authorities have proceeded with the corresponding closing actions.

He MIVED He was able to accompany them to correct the deficiencies detected.

Graduated in Social Communication by the Dominican University O & M. He studied international trade in the European Postgraduate Center. It has several diplomas in economics, customs, electricity sector, taxes and research journalism.

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