WILLEMSTAD - The recently reintroduced paid parking system in Punda and Otro Banda is currently in a test phase, according to the Downtown Management Organization (DMO). 

DMO Chair Michelle Metsch emphasized that the return of paid parking should come as no surprise. Metsch believes it is too early to determine whether the new system, which includes parking meters, will impact visitor numbers in Punda. “We are still in the testing phase. We’ll wait patiently for an evaluation round,” she stated, adding that no complaints from business owners or shop staff have been reported so far. 

The DMO plans to organize various events in Punda, and Metsch anticipates that business owners might introduce special offers and shopping activities if public interest in visiting stores declines.