No housing in high-risk areas

President Leonel Fernandez says that his government will not allow homes to be rebuilt in areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters. He announced a nationwide program to prevent the reconstruction of homes on unsafe land. "Let it be understood, we don't want to repress or coerce these people, but it is for their own good," said Fernandez. "The Dominican state has to be more demanding and systematic in applying this kind of measure," he said. Most of the people who died were caught by the unexpected heavy downpour on Sunday evening that led to major flooding that returned to river courses that had been dry for years.
Fernandez said that people who had been affected would be offered the option of relocation on state sugar council lands. He said that the government would be working with the Ministry of Environment to identify the areas that should be off limits for human habitation.
Nevertheless, Listin Diario reports that Santo Domingo municipal crews are helping residents in vulnerable areas along the Ozama River to repair their homes. The brigades are working in La Zurza, La Cienaga, Los Guandules, Gualey, Cristo Rey, La Puya and Simon Bolivar. As reported in the Listin, Isabel Meja, a resident of La Zurza, asked to be relocated. She said that nothing would be gained by repairing her dwelling because the next time it rains, mud will flood it again.

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