Villa del Norte community service and security grievances

Residents of the Villa del Norte community in Villa Mella, Santo Domingo, are reporting widespread deficiencies in essential services and infrastructure. During community dialogues, local leaders highlighted a lack of security, healthcare, and recreational services, alongside a long-standing need for road repairs.

Regarding public safety, residents expressed deep skepticism toward law enforcement. Yismely Rosario Torres, president of the Licey II neighborhood association, stated that community members have lost hope in effective responses, noting a sense of distrust where authorities allegedly fail to address complaints adequately or target the wrong individuals.

In addition to security concerns, the community is demanding urgent government intervention for its main road, which has remained unpaved and filled with potholes for over 25 years. Virtudes Montero, president of the Villas del Norte Neighborhood Association, reported that despite seven technical surveys conducted by various institutions, no paving work has been completed. Montero described the resulting living conditions as ‘inhumane,’ particularly during rainy periods.