Abinader Studies Free Zone at Former Consuelo Sugar Mill to Create Jobs
The president said the government is considering turning the former Consuelo sugar mill into a free zone so young people don't have to leave to find work.
Key points
- The government is studying converting the former Consuelo sugar mill into a free zone.
- The announcement was made at a meeting with young people in San Pedro de Macorís.
- An agreement was reached with the Vicini family to title land in Guayacanes.
- The first groundbreaking was held to address Consuelo's water problem.
President Luis Abinader said the government is studying the possibility of converting the former Consuelo sugar mill into a free zone. The goal is to create jobs for residents of the municipality and nearby communities, and to keep young people from having to move elsewhere to find opportunities.
The announcement was made during a meeting with young people from various communities in San Pedro de Macorís, held at the Museo del Pelotero Petromacorisano. There, the president also ordered faster paving of the Quisqueya highway and other roads between municipalities, and asked for a Banco de Reservas branch to be set up in the town.
Regarding Guayacanes, Abinader said an agreement was reached with the Vicini family to title land occupied by local residents, a measure he said will boost the area's economic development. In the Gautier district, he urged young people to take advantage of the technical training offered by the Infotep center inaugurated this Saturday in San Pedro de Macorís, and announced that construction of a sports complex, agreed with a private company, will resume.
On the Ingenio Angelina, he acknowledged the need to equip the polytechnic's laboratories and build a covered area the community can also use. A low-cost community dining center will also be installed there, and the area will benefit from the land titling agreed with the landowners.
For Consuelo, the president said the first groundbreaking has been held to address the water problem, and a space will be set up for the Comedores Económicos. On electricity, he explained that demand is growing and the necessary equipment has been identified, but its purchase is in progress and will take time.
During the meeting, young people from Ramón Santana, Consuelo, Los Llanos, El Puerto, Quisqueya, Guayacanes, Gautier and Ingenio Angelina raised needs in education, employment, student transportation, roads, electricity, hospitals and the Banco de Reservas. The president said he will prioritize the most urgent needs.
Why it matters
If the free zone materializes, it could create jobs in San Pedro de Macorís and nearby communities, reducing the need for young people to migrate elsewhere for work.
With additional reporting from: El Nuevo Diario