Senate approves swap of US$600M Brazil loan for Govt. debt

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Senate on Wednesdaynight approved replacing the US$600 million loan from Brazil State-owned bank BNDES,with government debt, to build the coal-fired plant at Punta Catalina, Baní(south).

The lawmakers approved the swap request bythe Executive Branch, which fuels the controversy over the energy project, mired in scandal from the onset.

The senators also approved a resolution thatseeks funding for the dam at Monte Grande, which will supply aqueducts,irrigation and energy to the Enriquillo region (southwest).