WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government is developing a new long-term strategy aimed at improving the cleanliness and maintenance of neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces across the island, with additional funding expected to be allocated in the 2027 budget.
The announcement was made by Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) Tyron Boekhoudt during Parliament's question period, where he addressed concerns about litter, illegal dumping, and the overall condition of public areas.
According to the minister, the current state of cleanliness on the island remains a matter of concern. While the government has launched several initiatives in recent years, including the Di bo, pa bo, ku bo project, the desired results have not yet been achieved.
As a result, the ministry is reviewing existing programs and evaluating how they can be improved to create a more effective and sustainable approach.
Boekhoudt acknowledged that the resources available over the past two years have not been sufficient to maintain all neighborhoods, roadsides, parks, and public spaces at the level residents expect.
He emphasized that funding for cleaning activities has not been reduced, but that existing budgets have simply been inadequate to address the island-wide challenge.
To strengthen the effort, GMN is working with waste management company Selikor on a new management agreement that will focus on the cleaning and upkeep of residential areas and public spaces.
In addition, the ministry is developing a comprehensive maintenance plan for neighborhood squares and public parks. An inventory of these locations has already been completed, allowing a portion of them to be incorporated into future agreements with Selikor.
The minister noted that government spending on cleaning and maintenance has steadily increased in recent years. According to figures presented in Parliament, approximately NAf 21 million was spent on cleaning activities in both 2021 and 2022. That amount increased to NAf 24 million in 2023, NAf 29 million in 2024, NAf 32 million in 2025, and approximately NAf 33 million in 2026.
Despite the rising expenditures, Boekhoudt stressed that government action alone will not solve the problem.
He said public awareness and community involvement remain essential components of any successful strategy, arguing that residents must also take greater responsibility for keeping their neighborhoods clean.
The additional funding planned for 2027 is intended to transform the current approach from a series of temporary interventions into a permanent maintenance system, ensuring cleaner public spaces and a more sustainable solution to the island's ongoing waste and litter challenges.
Government officials hope the new strategy will improve the appearance of Curaçao's communities, enhance public health, and contribute to a cleaner environment for residents and visitors alike.