WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning, Charles Cooper, has announced that an investment of 310 million guilders is required for the renovation and renewal of the road infrastructure and drainage system on the island. This plan is part of the Multi-Year Maintenance Program (MOP) 2023-2039, recently submitted to Parliament.
In the foreword of the MOP document, Cooper emphasizes the "significant, yet acute" problems facing the road system and drainage in Curaçao. Issues range from potholes in roads, neglected road shoulders, poorly functioning street and traffic lights, to flooding and blockages of sewers. Problems such as detours, traffic jams, and a lack of facilities for public and slow-moving traffic are also mentioned.
The minister states that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive policy vision with sufficient capacity and financial resources. He aims to use the MOP as a basis to raise additional funds through the National Budget. The goal is to achieve sustainable maintenance of the road network, focusing on resilience to climate change and a commitment to sustainability.
Cooper has high ambitions for the multi-year program and acknowledges that millions of guilders are needed. This is crucial for an effective internal project organization and the capacity of local contractors. Additionally, adjustments in current laws and regulations are necessary to realize these ambitions.
The MOP will be implemented in phases, combining basic maintenance and large-scale interventions to create a sustainable maintenance program.
The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) and the Financial Supervision Board (Cft) have been informed in writing about this project and the required budget. With this investment in infrastructure and drainage, the government aims for a significant improvement in the current situation and a sustainable future for the island.