The president of the Dominican Association of Home Builders and Developers (ACOPROVI), Annerys Meléndez, warned that the construction sector is going through a crisis marked by the rise in housing prices and the slowdown of projects due to bureaucratic procedures and lack of qualified labor.
Meléndez explained that in the last two years construction has experienced a sustained decrease, while housing prices have increased between 45% and 60%, which limits the middle class’s access to decent housing.
The leader pointed out that the sector faces a “perfect storm” of factors: inflation, high interest rates, a shortage of specialized workers and delays in obtaining permits and certifications.
Among the proposed solutions, he highlighted the need to streamline consulates to facilitate the documentation of foreign workers, implement regulated work permits for Haitian labor and digitize the processing of environmental, electrical and health permits. “
“As long as we do not achieve faster and more efficient processes, the national economy will continue to be affected, since housing construction represents close to 80% of the sector,” said Meléndez.
The representative of ACOPROVI insisted that a single window system and a “fast track” for strategic projects would make it possible to boost investment and guarantee that families can access housing at fairer prices.
