WILLEMSTAD - David Seferina, a member of Parliament for the Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) faction, has reached out to Minister of Economy Ruisandro Cijntje regarding the pressing issues faced by businesses in Plasa Rondó.
The Plasa Rondó building, which has not received necessary maintenance for nearly 50 years, has become a source of concern for both business owners and the visitors who frequent the area daily. The lack of upkeep has led to significant consequences for the overall environment of the plaza.
In a recent development, Minister Cijntje signed an agreement with JEMAR N.V. to commence maintenance work on the Plasa Rondó building. He assured the public via Facebook on February 28, 2023, that the area would remain accessible to the people of Curaçao during the renovation process. This assurance meant that businesses could continue operating and serving their clients throughout the repairs.
However, in a surprising turn of events, business owners were recently notified of a directive requiring them to vacate the premises without adequate planning. They must leave by August 15, leading to considerable frustration among the entrepreneurs. Many feel discriminated against, particularly as table vendors must exit by August 15 while package vendors are expected to leave by September. This situation has intensified concerns over safety standards for the building, which should apply to all businesses.
Furthermore, many of the business owners are elderly, some up to 80 years old, making relocation a challenging task. Business owners in Plasa Rondó pay for essential services such as garbage disposal and water, along with restroom access and storage for their products. Despite this, they find themselves paying the same or even higher amounts without receiving the services they are entitled to.
The MFK faction emphasizes that the people of Curaçao deserve clarity regarding the ongoing tensions affecting businesses in Plasa Rondó. Seferina's approach to Minister Cijntje reflects a growing urgency to address these issues and ensure the well-being of the business community in this vital area.