The Permanent Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies has begun reviewing a bill that proposes creating a new municipal district in Samaná Province by merging the sections of La Majagua and El Catey, both located within the municipality of Sánchez.
The proposed district would be named Ramón Aníbal Olea Linares Municipal District, honoring the individual recognized by local leaders as the driving force behind the initiative more than two decades ago.
Proposal Seeks Greater Local Autonomy
The legislation was introduced by Deputy Cecilio García Javier, who represents Samaná Province. According to the lawmaker, the proposal is intended to strengthen local institutions, improve public administration, and promote more decentralized public services tailored to the needs of the two communities.
García said the initiative has been under consideration for approximately 25 years and argued that La Majagua and El Catey meet the legal requirements to become a municipal district. These include a population exceeding 10,000 residents, a defined territorial identity, and the capacity to generate sufficient local revenue to support essential public services.
He added that municipal district status would provide local authorities with greater tools to manage growth, attract public investment, and improve the quality of services available to residents.
Broad Community Support
The committee’s visit included meetings with neighborhood association leaders, community representatives, business organizations, and religious leaders, many of whom expressed support for the proposal.
Supporters believe the creation of the new municipal district would encourage infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, expand educational services, and strengthen the delivery of public services throughout the area.
During the meeting, community organizations also presented a manifesto requesting approval of the legislation and supporting the decision to name the proposed district after Ramón Aníbal Olea Linares in recognition of his longstanding advocacy for the project.
Committee Continues Legislative Review
Deputy Elías Matos, who chairs the Permanent Committee on Municipal Affairs, said proposals involving the country’s territorial organization require careful analysis to ensure they meet technical, social, and local development criteria.
The committee will continue evaluating the bill before submitting its report to the full Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers will consider the proposal and determine whether it advances through the legislative process.