WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is closer to receiving an €18.6 million European Union subsidy aimed at improving water management on the island. While the subsidy was pledged in 2022, it will only become available once previous EU-funded projects on the island are actually launched. Preparations are now underway, though the full execution of the projects is still pending.
Previously, Curaçao received nearly €17 million from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), intended for the construction of new facilities to treat wastewater. However, these projects were delayed due to issues such as delays in preparations, staff shortages in the involved ministries, and a lack of local technical expertise. As a result, Europe decided to withhold the new funds until progress was made on these prior projects.
Tera Kòrá Wastewater Treatment Plant
According to Caroline Manuel from the Ministry of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning (VVRP), significant progress has now been made. “The tender for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Tera Kòrá was published at the end of 2024,” she said. “Companies submitted their plans by the end of February 2025, and those are now being reviewed. If everything goes well, contracts will be signed in May.”
However, the timeline is contingent on the speed of the tender process and whether there are any objections or legal delays in reviewing the submitted proposals. If the contracts are signed in May, construction will begin shortly after, and it is expected to take about two years to complete. So far, no funds from the previous EDF have been spent as no contracts have been awarded yet.
European Program and Klein Hofje
In addition to Tera Kòrá, improvements are also being considered for the Klein Hofje facility, which needs to be modernized. Judric Pietersz, coordinator of this European project, explained that this will be funded through a different European program, the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme. Specific plans for Klein Hofje have not been publicly disclosed, and the details are still under preparation. It is unclear whether this information will be made public in the future.
Meanwhile, a larger plan for integrated water management is also in development. Approved by the government at the end of 2022, the goal is to manage all water on the island in a smart and sustainable manner. Vanessa Tore from the Ministry of Economic Development is leading the project, alongside Albert Martis from the Meteorological Service.
“The project has officially started,” said Tore. “We have set up a team, are preparing laws and regulations, and are collaborating with other countries and organizations in the Caribbean.” The plan has ambitious goals, including more efficient water use, ensuring clean water is available to all, and improving water quality. By 2030, at least half of the island's water sources should meet international standards.
Challenges Remain
However, there are many challenges to overcome. Only 33% of the population on Curaçao is connected to the sewer system, while the rest often rely on septic tanks or discharge wastewater directly into nature, leading to pollution. There is also a shortage of skilled personnel, insufficient data on water quality, and difficulties in cooperation between ministries.
Recycled Wastewater for Agriculture
Despite these challenges, there is hope. The expansion of the treatment plants in Tera Kòrá and Klein Hofje is a key part of the plan. Additionally, the government aims to use treated wastewater, also known as effluent, more frequently in agriculture. This water, derived from wastewater treatment plants, is reused after treatment. However, making this a widespread practice will require significant investment.
“To modernize the water infrastructure, tens of millions of guilders are needed,” said Pietersz. “We hope not only for EU funding but also seek assistance from other international funds.”
The timeline for Curaçao to receive the new €18.6 million grant depends on how quickly the earlier projects are completed. However, after years of discussions, it seems the island is finally taking steps toward addressing its water management issues.