The Dominican Republic has inaugurated the start of construction of the wall that will cover almost half of the 400 km long border with their only neighbor Haiti.

The two countries that are close to each other geographically on the island of Hispaniola, on the other hand, are far apart in terms of development.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in America with high crime, while the Dominican Republic is a popular Caribbean tourist destination that has flourished in recent decades with political stability.

Many Haitians therefore cross the border illegally to find work in the neighboring country.

"The benefit to both nations will be of great importance," Dominican President Luis Abinader said before pushing the button to start pouring concrete, reports Reuters, the first part of the project is expected to be completed in nine months.

Four meters high - equipped with cameras and motion sensors

Luis Abinaders says the purpose of the border wall is to reduce the smuggling of commercial goods, weapons and help fight organized crime in both nations.

He started the project with the 16-kilometer-long wall ahead of the anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic from Haiti on February 27, 1844.

The 20 centimeter thick concrete wall with a metal net at the top will be almost four meters high and equipped with, among other things, motion sensors, cameras and doors.

The project also includes the construction of 70 watchtowers and 41 gates for patrolling.

About 500,000 Haitians and tens of thousands of their descendants live in the Dominican Republic.