Construction begins on 63 homes for resettled families in Cotuí

Construction begins on 63 homes in the Nuevos Horizontes housing project in Cotuí

The Ministry of Energy and Mines held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 63 new homes in the Nuevos Horizontes housing project, located in Cotuí, Sánchez Ramírez province. This work is an essential part of the resettlement process agreed upon between the Dominican Government, the company Barrick Pueblo Viejo, and the communities impacted by the mining operation.

The initiative’s main objective is to improve the quality of life for families residing in the areas surrounding the mine, consolidating the commitments established after an extensive dialogue process. With this expansion, the sectors of El Rayo, El Naranjo, El Higo, Arroyo Vuelta, Las Lajas, and Tres Bocas will directly benefit.

Commitment to community development

Giovanni Bloise, Deputy Minister of Mines, highlighted that this project is the result of an effort based on trust and mutual respect. According to the official, the success of this management lies in the parties’ ability to maintain dialogue, even when faced with initially distant positions.

That is why we are here and we are going to continue. Because we are pleased to see how far we have come, even though we have not taken our eyes off where we want to go.

For his part, Martín Guzmán, representative of the Commission of the Communities, highlighted the magnitude of the resettlement plan, describing it as a global benchmark.

• The project encompasses the relocation of six communities in total.
• It has established itself as an internationally recognized model of social management.
• Guzmán emphasized that the construction of these homes demonstrates the State’s willingness to fulfill the agreed-upon accords, dismissing the doubts of various sectors.

On behalf of the Ombudsman’s Office, Harold Modesto valued the impact of this work, noting that it represents tangible proof of how public institutions can work effectively in the realization of citizens’ rights and the improvement of the population’s housing conditions.