Authorities Investigate Alleged Permit for Landfill Near Ozama River

The environmental prosecutor’s office is investigating land-filling work advancing near the Ozama River in Sabana Perdida, an area that forms part of the river’s surroundings and Santo Domingo’s Green Belt.

Roberto Rodríguez, coordinator for the environmental prosecutor’s office in Santo Domingo Este and Norte, said representatives visited the site and are collecting information about the conditions under which the work is being carried out. The intervention followed a Diario Libre report on the occupation of the land.

The people carrying out the work presented what Rodríguez called an alleged permit from the Environment Ministry. Authorities are checking the document and are also examining the possibility that permits or authorizations overlap.

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We are investigating the site. The people presented an alleged permit. We are investigating all of that.

The inspection found that trees had been cut in the area. “They cut them, of course they cut them,” Rodríguez said when asked about the clearing. He identified the tree cutting as an environmental violation requiring investigation.

Those involved were summoned to appear before authorities on Thursday and provide documentation related to the work. Rodríguez said the prosecutor’s office is awaiting the relevant reports and working to stop the activity while the investigation continues. He urged caution before assigning final responsibility for the legality of the occupation or the landfill work.

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They cut them, of course they cut them.