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NewsWhore
12-18-2007, 05:30 PM
President Leonel Fernandez announced that the government is planning to spend RD$1.9 billion on recovery efforts in the Santiago area, which was seriously affected by Tropical Storm Olga last week. Fernandez, quoted in Diario Libre, said that RD$550 million would be used for reconstruction and cleaning roads and other affected areas. The President also announced that the government would provide land for 1,500 new homes, which will be constructed by the Santiago Solidario foundation. Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez said the government would also spend RD$300 million to help farmers affected by the storm.
Fernandez went on to announce the creation of a government commission to investigate the opening of the Tavera dam floodgates during Tropical Storm Olga and deliver a report within 90 days. Experts on dams and the media have warned that the mismanagement of the dam caused deaths and thousands in property losses. The members of the government commission represent the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Weather Department, the Office for Provincial Development, the Ministry of Public Works, Congress, the Emergency Operations Center, the Aqueduct Corporation, the state UASD University and the PUCCM in Santiago. Fernandez made this announcement during a government cabinet meeting held in Santiago yesterday. During the meeting, the President met with public officials and representatives of private institutions and received reports on the damages caused by the flooding of the Yaque del Norte River.

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