WILLEMSTAD - On Thursday, October 24, the Parliament of Curaçao will hold a question hour to discuss the controversial construction plans for the beaches in Bándabou. The session was requested by PAR parliamentarian Steven Croes, who has raised concerns about the potential impact of these developments on the natural state of the beaches.
Steven Croes directed his questions to the Minister of Environment and Nature, Gilmar Pisas of the MFK party. Croes seeks to understand whether the beaches can be upgraded with basic amenities such as restrooms and showers, without the need for large-scale construction projects that could compromise the authenticity of the beaches. He has emphasized that any construction projects that threaten the identity and natural beauty of the beaches are unacceptable.
Fishermen’s Concerns Highlighted
In recent protests, a fisherman from Lagun made his concerns clear in a video addressed to Prime Minister Pisas. The video, subtitled in Dutch, reflects the local community's resistance to construction plans that could potentially harm the environment and disrupt their livelihoods.
Transparency and Community Involvement
Croes is also calling for clarity on whether residents of the Bándabou region were consulted during the decision-making process regarding the construction plans. He further questions the budget allocated for these projects and when approval was granted by the Council of Ministers. Stressing the importance of transparency, Croes seeks details on the tendering process, including which companies won the contracts and how the selections were made.
Additionally, Croes is asking how the government plans to balance the need for modernization with the preservation of the beaches’ heritage value and natural charm.
While the PAR party has requested a formal question hour, Partido MAN has also expressed concerns about the construction plans. However, MAN opted to submit written questions instead. Their primary focus is on the building permits that have been issued, and they are questioning whether the government is open to reconsidering the construction projects.
This session is set to provide much-needed clarity on the future of Bándabou's beaches and address the growing concerns of residents and environmentalists alike.