Dominican Republic starts work on border wall with Haiti

The Dominican Republic's president, Luis Abinader, in Dajabón as construction begins on the wall that will span nearly half the 244-mile border with Haiti. Photograph: Reuters

The Dominican Republic has begun work on a border wall with Haiti, sparking controversy between the neighbouring Caribbean countries.

Construction began this week on a concrete barrier that will span nearly half of the 244-mile (392km) border between the two countries, with Dominican officials claiming it will reduce flows of migrants, drugs, weapons and contraband.