La Cuaba residents protest landfill for 100 days, citing environmental threats

For 100 days, residents and merchants in La Cuaba, Dominican Republic, have mobilized against the installation of a landfill. They argue the project, attributed to Oak House with the Ministry of Environment's involvement, poses a severe threat to local water sources, agricultural activities, the environment, and the economy.

A permanent protest camp has been set up in defense of the land, with demonstrators demanding the immediate and definitive cancellation of the project. The opposition includes neighborhood associations, churches, business leaders, and environmental organizations, all united in their resolve to prevent the landfill's advancement.

According to a statement from the neighborhood association, approximately 6,000 people could be directly impacted, as they rely on water from streams originating within the proposed construction site. The potential impact could extend to surrounding areas, affecting an additional 40,000 residents.

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Our territory has great ecotourism potential due to its natural characteristics.

Residents are particularly concerned about the region's hydrology, noting that it experiences 120 to 140 rainy days annually and has a high water recharge capacity. They fear that inadequate management of leachate from the waste could contaminate wells, streams, and rivers essential for numerous families. Concerns also extend to potential emissions, foul odors, and the significant increase in heavy vehicle traffic, with over 400 trucks daily predicted.

The community highlights the area's ecotourism potential due to its natural characteristics, including mountains, valleys, and rivers, which they believe would be irrevocably damaged by the landfill. Protests have intensified recently with cacerolazos (pot-banging protests), chants, and peaceful demonstrations.

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The people know what they want.