Bonao Residents Demand Answers Over Stalled Juma Bejucal Bridge

Residents of Juma Bejucal in Bonao, central Dominican Republic, are calling on the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) to resume construction of a local bridge that they say has remained abandoned for months following the removal of the previous structure.

The interruption has raised concerns among community members who depend on the crossing for everyday mobility and access to surrounding areas. According to a complaint submitted to local media by resident Anthony Aybar, construction has not resumed since the old bridge was dismantled, leaving residents waiting for a permanent solution.

The complaint identifies the project as having been awarded to CONSTRUMARSA S.R.L. through an emergency-exception procurement procedure numbered 40-2026/MOPC, with a reported contract value of RD$90,841,724.55.

Residents seek answers about the bridge contract

Community members are asking the authorities to explain the current status of the project, why work stopped and when construction is expected to resume. They also want the crossing restored so residents can recover reliable access between the affected areas.

The reported contract amount makes the project’s status a matter of public interest. However, the information available in the complaint does not establish how much work has been completed, whether payments have been made to the contractor, or whether the original contract schedule has been modified.

The procurement reference and contract amount have not been independently confirmed through a publicly accessible contract document in the sources reviewed for this report. The allegations of abandonment and the description of the community’s access difficulties therefore remain attributed to the residents who raised the complaint.

Public works and connectivity in Juma Bejucal

Juma Bejucal is a municipal district associated with Bonao, in Monseñor Nouel province. Its location within the Cibao region makes local road connections important for residents traveling between communities and accessing everyday services.

The Dominican government’s municipal information portal identifies Juma Bejucal as an established local government district in Monseñor Nouel. The official municipal profile of Juma Bejucal provides background on the district and its local administration.

When a bridge is removed before its replacement is completed, the effects can extend beyond the construction site. Depending on available alternative routes, residents may face longer journeys and greater difficulty reaching workplaces, schools, businesses and essential services. The specific detours and impacts experienced by residents in this case have not been independently documented in the available reports.

MOPC response and completion timeline remain unclear

The central questions are whether the contractor is still working under the original terms, what has caused the reported interruption and what measures are being taken to ensure safe access while construction remains incomplete.

The MOPC maintains an official section for public works consultations, which provides information on infrastructure projects by province. The sources reviewed for this article did not establish an official explanation for the reported stoppage in Juma Bejucal or confirm a new completion date.

Residents are urging the relevant authorities to intervene, restart the work and communicate a clear timetable for restoring the crossing. Until an official update is available, the reasons for the alleged suspension, the project’s verified progress and the date for completion remain unresolved.