WILLEMSTAD – Residents of Jan Thiel and Caracasbaai are voicing strong criticism against large-scale deforestation and land modifications in their area. They argue that the ongoing construction, intended for the development of luxury apartments, is causing severe environmental damage and was approved without sufficient public consultation.
According to local residents, concerns arose when they noticed that large sections of the hills and mangroves in the area were being removed. Information they gathered revealed that the company Krakke Bay Development Corp. NV is responsible for the project. The construction work includes not only deforestation and the excavation of hills but also the filling in of water bodies to create additional building land.
Despite formal objections submitted to the relevant ministry, residents never received a response. Ultimately, in November 2024, the government granted a construction permit for the development of a luxury apartment complex known as KIWA Luxury Sky Condos. The project will feature multi-story buildings with high-end amenities and views of Tafelberg and the Spanish Water.
Beyond the environmental concerns, residents also fear the impact on the surrounding Jan Thiel Ariba neighborhood. They believe that the planned high-rise buildings and accompanying infrastructure could negatively affect the area's livability and overall quality of life.