Government begins construction of strategic works on the northern border to strengthen security, development, and organized trade

The Dominican Government held the groundbreaking ceremony this Saturday for the construction of a set of strategic works in the country’s northern border area, as part of the Comprehensive Strategy for Development, Security, and Border Infrastructure “Strong Border” (“Frontera Fuerte”), an initiative promoted by President Luis Abinader to strengthen the State’s presence, consolidate national security, and promote the economic and social development of border communities.

The activity was led by the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, and the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, ERD, who were accompanied by local authorities, the Commanding General of the Dominican Republic Army, the Director General of Migration, the Executive Director of Border Development, and representatives of the institutions that make up the inter-institutional effort for the strengthening of the border.

The works include the construction of the Tilorí National Market, the reconstruction of the Guayajayuco ford, and the building of new access controls and border control detachments on the International Highway, projects conceived to improve connectivity, organize commercial exchange, strengthen territorial control, and enhance the State’s operational capabilities in this important area of the country.

During the event, the authorities highlighted that these investments are part of President Luis Abinader’s government’s firm commitment to transforming the border through a comprehensive vision that combines security, infrastructure, economic development, and well-being for its inhabitants.

We recommend reading: Vice President Raquel Peña delivers the roof for the Javier Antonio Castillo Pérez School in Pueblo Viejo, Azua, benefiting 349 students

The Minister of Defense stated that these works constitute an essential component of the “Strong Border” strategy, by contributing simultaneously to the strengthening of national sovereignty, the increase of institutional presence, and the creation of conditions that favor economic growth and the quality of life of border communities.

In that sense, he pointed out that the new Tilorí National Market will allow for the organization and modernization of a commercial exchange space that has operated informally for decades, providing adequate facilities for producers and merchants, better sanitary conditions, greater security, and more efficient control of commercial activities in the area.

Likewise, he highlighted that the reconstruction of the Guayajayuco ford, complemented by the bridge that the Ministry of Public Works is building over the Artibonito River, will guarantee permanent land communication for that community, reducing its vulnerability to river flooding, facilitating access to essential services, and strengthening the response capacity of State agencies.

Likewise, he highlighted that the new access controls and border control detachments will strengthen the supervision and surveillance capabilities of the International Highway, optimizing the control of the transit of people and goods, reinforcing security and supporting the work carried out by the Armed Forces and other institutions responsible for border management.

The authorities agreed that these works represent a strategic investment for the sustainable development of the border, by integrating modern infrastructure, greater security, connectivity, and opportunities for the region’s economic growth.

With these actions, the Dominican Government continues to advance in the execution of the “Strong Border” Strategy, reaffirming its commitment to the protection of national sovereignty and to the construction of a more secure, organized, productive, and prosperous border for the benefit of all Dominicans.