Santo Domingo.- The Environment Minister affirmed Monday that the country’s sectors of power need to abide by the laws on natural resources, and revealed that 380 permits have been issued so far in 2010, with “precaution as the priority.”

In letter to newspaper Hoy, Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal complained that there are many companies in the country which proceed to build without permits in tourism zones, and which resort to political influence.

He said because Dominican Republic lacks a territorial zoning law investors feel they have right to construct anywhere.

“It’s difficult to tell them you can’t build there because that area is vulnerable, because when that happens, they go to a higher political echelon,” he said, but didn’t specify.

There are no delays.

Fernandez Mirabal said there are no delays in issuing the Environment Ministry’s authorizations or permits as some sectors affirm, adding that while the process lasts as long as one year in neighboring countries, in takes only 60 days here.

In the letter the official said the Environmental Permits and Authorizations Department was created to expedite the procedure since the requests don’t have to go to several agencies, and that it works closely with the Tourism Ministry.

“Mister Editor, Law 64-00 on the Environment and Natural Resources establishes the principle of precaution as the priority and we must be careful and expeditious when issuing environmental permits.”