Spanish
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has its origins in 1854, when the Secretariat of State for War, Navy and Public Works was created. However, this entity was suppressed at the end of that same year due to a constitutional reform. It was not until 1887 that it resurfaced under the name of Ministry of Development and Public Works.
Evolution and structural changes of the Ministry of Public Works
In 1905, a regulation was approved that established the functions of the General Directorate of Public Works, under the Ministry of Development and Public Works. With some modifications over time, this functional structure has remained in force to this day.
In 1934, with the enactment of Law 786 of State Secretariats, the institution was renamed Secretariat of State for Communications and Public Works. This entity assumed responsibilities in:
- Inspection of postal, telecommunications, and radiotelecommunications services.
- Construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways.
- Regulation of traffic and improvement of road infrastructure.
- Development of aqueducts, drainage systems, and hydraulic works.
- Construction and maintenance of public buildings, railways, prisons, and lighthouses.
- Conservation of historical buildings and ornamentation of the capital city.
In 1945, its functions were expanded, including design of works, control of materials, maintenance of equipment, inspection of roads, and administration of aqueducts and sewers.
In 1959, the entity adopted the name Secretariat of State for Public Works and Communications (SEOPC), and the General Directorate of Buildings was created. Then, in 1966, the General Directorate of Land Transit was established.
Modernization and Restructuring in the MOPC
Between the 1960s and 1980s, various modifications were made to the structure of the organization, giving way to new directions such as:
- General Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications (later merged).
- General Directorate of Highways and Local Roads.
- Directorate of Road Maintenance and Investment Planning.
In the 1990s, postal and telecommunications functions were separated, giving rise to the Dominican Postal Institute (INPOSDOM) and the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL). In addition, the General Directorate of Control, Maintenance and Supervision of the National Toll System was created.
Creation of the MOPC and its current role
On February 8, 2010, in compliance with the mandate of the new Constitution, the Executive Branch issued Decree 56-10, establishing the change of name of the Secretariat of State for Public Works and Communications (SEOPC) to the current MOPC.
Despite numerous reforms and modernizations, the MOPC continues to play a key role in the development of infrastructure, mobility, and public services in the Dominican Republic, ensuring the connectivity and well-being of the population through the continuous improvement of national roads and buildings.
Structure of the MOPC
Like the other Ministries of the Dominican Republic, the MOPC is organized into various vice ministries:
- Vice Ministry of Technical Regulation
- Vice Ministry of Road Infrastructure
- Vice Ministry of Supervision and Inspection
- Vice Ministry of Regional Coordination
Instituciones adscritas al MOPC
The MOPC has various dependent institutions that fulfill specific functions:
INTRANT
The National Institute of Transit and Transportation (INTRANT), created in 2017, is the entity responsible for mobility, land transportation, traffic, and road safety. It replaced the General Directorate of Land Transit created in 1967. Among its functions are the planning of public transport, the regulation of freight transport, the issuance of driving permits, road safety campaigns, and the management of national driver and accident records. In addition, it coordinates the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transportation Safety (DIGESETT) along with the Ministry of Interior and Police.
ONAMET
The National Office of Meteorology (ONAMET), created in 1954, is the agency in charge of meteorological information. Since 2005, it has been headed by engineer Gloria Ceballos, the first woman to hold this position. ONAMET operates weather stations at all airports in the country.
INPOSDOM
The Dominican Postal Institute (INPOSDOM), founded in 1985, handles mail and packages nationally and internationally.
Airport Department
The Airport Department, created in 1978, supervises the operation of commercial and private airports, in addition to managing state aerodromes.
Other institutions
With the creation of the Ministry of Housing and Buildings in 2021, the MOPC lost several dependencies, including the Office of Engineers Supervisors of State Works, the National Housing Institute, the Department of Buildings of Public Works and the National Institute of Aid and Housing.
Website: https://www.mopc.gob.do/
