The continuing heavy rains of the past weeks have resulted in the tourist route from Puerto Plata to Santiago being closed again.
The representative of the neighbourhood community living along this route, Roberto Merán Rodríguez, reported that there are currently over 100 large potholes and places where the road has subsided, making it extremely dangerous for through traffic.
Tourist route to Santiago closed again
But the residents living in the villages along this mountain road are also suffering from this situation.
These are usually smallholders who sell their produce to the people travelling along this route.
They also sell their products in the markets in Santiago, Luperón and Puerto Plata.
According to the spokesperson, many of these small farmers are now being forced to move to towns such as Santiago or Puerto Plata.
Roberto says that the tourist route is indeed very popular with the tourists, because they can enjoy the wonderful tropical scenery.
The mountains and valleys result in beautiful vegetation that is typical of this country.
However, Roberto also advises everyone to take alternative routes (via Moca or Puerto Plata) to Santiago until the road has been sufficiently repaired and it is safe to drive along the 'route touristica'.
