Samaná infrastructure faces growth and decay

The Samaná province is experiencing contrasting developments regarding its maritime and administrative infrastructure. In Arroyo Barril, local authorities are pushing for the district to be elevated to municipality status, citing significant economic growth and upcoming investments. Key projects include the transformation of the old Puerto Duarte into the Port Samaná cruise terminal and the development of the Mangani Jungle theme park through public-private partnerships.

Conversely, the public pier in Santa Bárbara de Samaná, a critical access point for tourists traveling to Cayo Levantado, is in a state of advanced deterioration. The poor condition of the structure has caused safety concerns and recent tensions requiring intervention from the National Police and the Dominican Navy. Provincial Governor Jorge Ramón King is reportedly seeking a permanent solution to restore the safety and functionality of this strategic maritime terminal.