Mérido Torres: The face behind legal security and land titling in the Dominican Republic
Mérido de Jesús Torres Espinal has established himself as a key figure in the current government administration, leading state efforts to transform the real estate reality of thousands of Dominican families. His work, focused on the regularization of property, has been fundamental in providing legal security to those who, for decades, occupied land without having legal documents.
Following his initial appointment to the Permanent Commission for State Land Titling (CPTTE), his role evolved with the creation of the Technical Executing Unit for State Land Titling (UTECT), an organization under which he has promoted an ambitious national real estate formalization agenda.
Impact of the National Titling Plan
Torres’ management has transcended the offices, reaching various provinces of the country through the National Titling Plan. His approach has allowed entire communities to move from informality to becoming legal owners, which increases the value of their properties and facilitates access to formal credit. Among the most notable projects under his direction are:
- Haina, San Cristóbal: Implementation of projects that impacted nearly 9,600 people with the delivery of 2,400 certificates.
- Hato Mayor: Direct benefit to 3,400 citizens through 850 property titles delivered free of charge.
- Greater Santo Domingo: Significant interventions in sectors such as Los Alcarrizos, Los Frailes, and Los Mina.
- Azua: Delivery of more than 2,500 definitive titles to Agrarian Reform farmers.
Having a property title not only provides legal security, but also allows families to formally access credit and increase the value of their properties.
Mérido Torres
Modernization and inter-institutional coordination
To streamline technical and legal processes, the UTECT has worked hand-in-hand with strategic institutions such as the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD), National Assets, the National Cadastre, and the Real Estate Registry of the Judiciary. This synergy has allowed for addressing complex challenges, such as the regularization of land where state facilities operate, including the National Palace itself.
With ambitious goals that projected the delivery of more than 140,000 certificates annually, Mérido Torres continues to lead a public policy that seeks to eradicate informality in land tenure, consolidating himself as a benchmark in Luis Abinader’s administration regarding real estate security.
