Dominican Republic: Government reports housing progress amid budget criticism

The Dominican Republic is seeing significant activity in public works and political debate regarding national spending. The government reports that over 64,000 homes have been improved or constructed since 2020 through various initiatives, including the ‘Dominicana se Reconstruye’ plan. Additionally, the government is preparing to build 600 new homes in Ciudad Presidente Antonio Guzmán in Santiago.

In the infrastructure sector, the Ministry of Public Works is executing roadway projects in Greater Santo Domingo, including new overpasses on the Duarte Highway, and is constructing gabion walls in 21 provinces to enhance climate resilience. The government also allocated RD$30 million in bonds to help dairy producers modernize irrigation systems.

However, political opposition from the PLD and Fuerza del Pueblo has raised concerns over the 2027 budget proposal. Critics argue the budget increases debt and focuses on interest and subsidies rather than public investment. Specifically, they claim that for every RD$100 of debt, only RD$19 goes to ministerial projects, and they warn that education spending may fall below the legally required 4% of GDP.