WILLEMSTAD - Eugene Cleopa, a candidate for MAN-PIN, proudly shares the party's commitment to addressing critical issues surrounding housing and land allocation in Curaçao. The vision of MAN-PIN is clear: "We advocate for creating a fair, sustainable, and prosperous future for all citizens of Curaçao," said Cleopa. "For MAN-PIN, access to adequate housing is a fundamental right, and we are committed to making it a reality for every family on our island."
A National Strategy for Housing
The current housing situation demands immediate and innovative solutions. MAN-PIN is committed to implementing a comprehensive national housing strategy that prioritizes universal access to public housing. This approach includes both short-term solutions during the first 100 days of governance and long-term strategies.
The party will prioritize housing for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes. Additionally, underutilized buildings, such as unused schools, will be repurposed to create new housing. The government will also provide subsidies and tax incentives to bring abandoned homes back onto the market, particularly for local residents.
A short-term measure will include introducing a policy to cap rent at no more than 25% of a resident's income. The party also plans to reintroduce policies to legalize the use of illegally occupied land, allowing residents to contribute to government revenues while securing mortgages to improve their homes. Partnerships with financial institutions will help create low-interest mortgage systems for low-income individuals.
Long-Term, Independent Housing Solutions
MAN-PIN's ultimate goal is to move beyond temporary solutions and focus on creating long-term independent housing options. The party is committed to securing the necessary funding to eliminate public housing waiting lists and ensuring a steady supply of public housing for those in need.
Public housing will be maintained to high standards, ensuring affordability, safety, and accessibility. These homes will be located near jobs, healthcare, public transportation, schools, and other social amenities.
Environmental Sustainability in Housing
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, MAN-PIN will reduce the environmental impact of housing by ensuring both new and existing buildings meet high standards for sustainability, durability, energy efficiency, sound insulation, and water conservation.
Equitable Land Allocation
MAN-PIN recognizes that fair and balanced land allocation is essential to fostering a just society. The party will implement policies to ensure equitable access to land for all citizens. This includes regulating the distribution of living spaces in Curaçao in a manner similar to the Huisvestingswet 2014 in the Netherlands, which aims to ensure fair and balanced distribution of living spaces, regulate housing allocations, prevent vacation rentals, and protect affordable housing.
Decisions regarding land allocation will be made through transparent processes that involve the community.
A Call for Unity
MAN-PIN is committed to creating a Curaçao where everyone has a safe, comfortable, and sustainable place to call home. "We understand that housing is not just bricks and mortar; it is primarily about dignity, security, and the future of our nation," Cleopa emphasized.
The party calls on all citizens of Curaçao to join this vital mission. "Together, we can build a better future for our island," Cleopa concluded.