NewsWhore
11-19-2007, 04:50 PM
Once again, the PLD government has reversed its position on the extraction of sand and gravel from the nation's riverbeds. The first time was back in 2000 when the President himself, Leonel Fernandez, prohibited such extractions from the Nizao, Yubazo and Nigua rivers. However, the decree did not last long. Now, faced with the need to rebuild so much of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Noel, the Ministry of the Environment has restored permission to extract building materials from riverbeds for companies supplying public works. Once more the pressure brought to bear by construction companies was effective in getting the government to change its mind. The most recent resolution, numbered 16/07 by the Ministry of the Environment, was drawn up under the leadership of Max Puig, who was shortly after replaced by Omar Ramirez, in a rare Fernandez cabinet member change. Now, in the current circumstances, the new minister has extended permission to excavate riverbeds for "six or eight months".
Environmentalists say that extraction of sand and gravel from river beds is in great part responsible for the major river flooding.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)
Environmentalists say that extraction of sand and gravel from river beds is in great part responsible for the major river flooding.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#7)