WILLEMSTAD – Residents near the southern lagoon in Zakitó have expressed concerns over the dredging of heavily polluted mud in their surroundings. According to the residents, the companies GMFB Royal Development Group and The View Resort & Marina, operating under Royal Holding I, II, and III, are relocating this contaminated mud from a lagoon near the Curaçao hospital to a smaller lagoon next to the Royal Palm Resort residential area, directly across from Koredor, a popular spot for walkers and athletes.
Residents claim that the mud contains hospital waste, heavy metals from a former water factory, and other unidentified pollutants. “This poses serious health risks for residents, construction workers, and the ecosystem.” In addition to a strong, foul odor spreading across Zakitó, residents report a surge in mosquito infestations.
Call for Authorities to Act
Due to the alleged environmental and health hazards, residents have alerted authorities and requested the police to immediately halt the activities. They fear that the destruction of Zakitó’s natural environment will continue unchecked without proper oversight from the responsible institutions. Historically, the area has been recognized for its natural beauty and was meant to remain a recreational zone, but now appears to be entirely taken over for commercial purposes.
Environmental Legislation Concerns
Residents are calling for transparency and stricter enforcement. They demand to know whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted and if it was legally required for this project. Additionally, they question whether the National Ordinance on Environmental Management is being properly enforced. Without clear regulations and strict monitoring, they warn that further damage to the fragile ecosystem is imminent, affecting water flows, biodiversity, and the living conditions of local residents.