Dominican Republic to evaluate school seismic vulnerability

The Dominican Republic's School Infrastructure Directorate (DIE) has proposed a national plan to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of educational facilities across the country. Director Roberto Herrera Polanco presented the proposal to President Luis Abinader, noting that schools built before 2012 may not meet current anti-seismic protocols.

As part of this initiative, 10 companies will be contracted to work alongside the National Office for Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie). Currently, 57 schools have been decommissioned due to age and structural flaws, such as the ‘short column’ defect, which increases the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

Regarding general maintenance, Herrera reported that 1,354 schools have undergone interventions, including repairs to roofs, electrical systems, bathrooms, and perimeter fencing. Additionally, the director noted discrepancies in school distribution, stating that some areas have an excess of facilities while others face shortages. Consequently, some ongoing construction projects may be halted if they are deemed no longer useful due to changes in student enrollment and population shifts.