Onesvie raises the need to update seismic-resistant construction standards in the DR

Santo Domingo.– The National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Infrastructure and Building Vulnerability (Onesvie), proposed the need to update and strengthen by law the earthquake-resistant construction standards that govern public and private buildings in the country, as part of a national strategy aimed at reducing seismic risks and vulnerability. This was stated by its general director, Leonardo de Jesús Reyes Madera, who explained that the country has a technical regulation approved in 1978 that establishes parameters for the design and construction of safe structures, but whose strict application and updating are unavoidable in the face of current challenges. Reyes Madera pointed out that a correct implementation of these standards would allow intervention in buildings identified as fragile and vulnerable, transforming them into more resilient infrastructures. “I always say that there is an earthquake for every building, but there would be fewer lives in danger if the corrections provided for in the established regulations are applied”, expressed the official, highlighting the importance of prevention and structural adaptation in areas of high seismic hazard. The official emphasized that both private builders and state contractors must rigorously comply with current technical standards and underscored the need for continuous and effective supervision by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings, the entity responsible for granting the corresponding authorizations. Furthermore, he warned that in the country numerous buildings erected irregularly, without the required permits, persist, which represents a high risk for the safety of the population. In that sense, he regretted that some professionals responsible for the design and execution of works do not act with the level of responsibility and professionalism demanded by national development.

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Reyes Madera indicated that, although there are regulations that establish minimum recommendations in terms of earthquake-resistant construction, in many cases even these basic provisions are not met, which significantly increases the vulnerability of infrastructures to seismic events. In that context, he considered it essential to give the character of law to the obligations regarding earthquake-resistant construction, noting that its current basis in a presidential decree allows these provisions to be modified or repealed at any time, weakening their application, inspection, and effective compliance. During the interview, Reyes Madera also highlighted the technical role of the institution, as a specialized body of the State, responsible for the identification and evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure, as well as the promotion of structural prevention actions. He pointed out that the institution carries out diagnoses and evaluations with rigorous technical criteria, which allow determining risk levels and guiding the decision-making of the competent authorities, contributing to the reduction of the vulnerability of infrastructures, especially in buildings that do not have authorizations or comply with the established regulations. These considerations were offered by the head of Onesvie, during an interview given on the program ¿Y tú… qué dices?, broadcast by AcentoTV, where he reiterated his call to strengthen the culture of prevention, regulatory compliance, institutional and professional responsibility in the construction sector.