On March 18, 2024, the first public hearing of the Port Samaná project was held, an information and dialogue meeting with the community of Arroyo Barril and surrounding areas. With 100 attendees at the Government Office, this event is part of the first steps to inform the community about the project and receive their feedback, to ensure consideration of their opinions and needs at all stages of the process.
During the event, the technical details of the project were presented, highlighting the commitment of the Genera ITM Foundation to local economic development, the protection of marine mammals, and environmental conservation, in line with a vision of sustainable tourism.
The project contemplates the implementation of port services in the existing dock and the creation of a theme park divided into three zones: access park, water park and recreational and commercial area. Interactive zones with museums, shopping and leisure areas will also be included.
In relation to maritime operations in Puerto Duarte, the construction of two mooring positions on the existing dock and a dredging polygon in muddy areas was announced, based on the natural ocean surface of Samaná Bay and in coordination with the Navy. Dominican.
The supply of drinking water will be supervised by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewage, INAPA, and the electrical energy will be managed with the Empresa Distribuidora de Electricidad del Norte S.A, EDENORTE. Provisional and definitive networks have been planned for the construction and operational phase, including a lighting network, with an estimated maximum energy consumption of 3.3 MVAS during operation.
The port’s only service to shipping companies will be mooring at the dock for approximately 15 hours. The port will not offer additional services to shipping companies such as unloading of solid waste or sanitary water, supply of drinking water or fuel, or overnight stays on the vessel, the latter of which may be carried out only on special occasions.
The total estimated investment in Port Samaná is $68 million 200 thousand US dollars, equivalent to 4 billion Dominican pesos. The completion of the project is expected to generate 1,500 direct jobs and more than 2,500 indirect jobs during the construction phase and 2,000 direct jobs during the operation phase, and more than 4,000 indirect jobs, boosting economic growth and local prosperity.
The Genera ITM Foundation will be key in the implementation of programs such as “Dignified Employment” and “Circular Ports”, to promote local economic development, the preservation of the marine ecosystem and the reduction of single-use plastics in the port.
Currently, Port Samaná and Fundación Genera ITM are in the process of socializing the technical project and identifying the needs of the community. Subsequently, dialogue and worktables will be convened to develop participatory and inclusive plans and programs. The date of the second public hearing will be announced at the end of April.