Mayor of Santo Domingo Este Declares War on Garbage, Crime, and Flooding

Dío Astacio, the mayor of Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, has launched a comprehensive campaign to tackle the pressing issues of garbage, crime, and flooding in the municipality. The mayor's multifaceted approach aims to improve the quality of life for residents and address the challenges facing the region.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Mayor Astacio has initiated a 10-day cleanup effort to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and improve sanitation. Ministry officials visited 117,763 homes and successfully eliminated 71,623 mosquito breeding sites during this period. The mayor emphasized the importance of this initiative in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and maintaining a clean environment.

Crime and violence, particularly the spillover effects of worsening gang violence from neighboring Haiti, have also been a major concern for the municipality. In response, the Dominican Republic has increased its military spending by 14% in 2023 to address this issue. Mayor Astacio has pledged to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure the safety of residents.

Additionally, the mayor has turned his attention to the persistent problem of flooding in Santo Domingo Este. The accumulation of garbage and inadequate infrastructure have exacerbated the impact of heavy rains, leading to frequent flooding in the area. Mayor Astacio has vowed to improve waste management practices and invest in infrastructure upgrades to mitigate the risk of flooding.

Why this matters: The mayor's comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of garbage, crime, and flooding in Santo Domingo Este has the potential to significantly improve the lives of residents. By tackling these issues head-on, Mayor Astacio is setting an example for other municipalities in the Dominican Republic and demonstrating the importance of proactive leadership in addressing complex urban problems.

Mayor Astacio's declaration of war on garbage, crime, and flooding in Santo Domingo Este comes at a critical time for the municipality. With the spillover effects of the crisis in Haiti and the ongoing challenges posed by poor sanitation and infrastructure, the mayor's initiatives are a much-needed step towards creating a safer and healthier environment for residents. "We will not rest until our municipality is free from the scourges of garbage, crime, and flooding," Mayor Astacio stated, reaffirming his commitment to the well-being of the community.

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Astacio launches campaign to tackle garbage, crime, and flooding in Santo Domingo Este.
• Cleanup effort with Ministry of Public Health eliminates 71,623 mosquito breeding sites.
• Dominican Republic increases military spending by 14% in 2023 to address spillover gang violence.
• Mayor pledges to improve waste management and infrastructure to mitigate flooding risks.
• Mayor's comprehensive approach aims to improve quality of life and address urban challenges.