Bonao residents light candles against gas plant on Juan Bosch Avenue

Bonao, Monseñor Nouel. – Dozens of residents and community leaders held a candle lighting and a peaceful demonstration to reject the possible installation of a gas plant on Juan Bosch Avenue, formerly Libertad Avenue, considering that the project represents a serious threat to the safety of the population. During the protest, participants warned that the plant’s location on one of the province’s main roads, where thousands of vehicles circulate daily and which is surrounded by numerous homes, would turn the area into a high-risk point. They called the initiative a “ticking time bomb” for the community. Community leader Silvestre Santa María, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, explained that this is the second protest action carried out at the site and assured that the residents will not allow the installation of the plant under any circumstances. He also denounced alleged attempts to divide the community through economic offers, although he affirmed that the neighbors remain firm and united in defense of their safety.

We recommend reading:Farmers from Villa Sonador demand justice for land conflict in Bonao

Santa María indicated that, according to the community members, the gas plant that would be developed by Rafael Rodríguez does not have the corresponding licenses, so they requested the immediate intervention of the competent authorities to stop the work. Residents indicated that the conflict dates back to 2016, when the project developer claimed to have obtained approval after talking to a small group of people in the area. However, they assured that currently the majority of the families in the area categorically reject the installation, considering it a latent danger.

Upon concluding the activity, the protesters called on the citizenry and social sectors to support their struggle, highlighting that in Bonao there are already several gas plants and that it is not prudent to authorize another one in a densely populated area.

By Daniel Reyes