WILLEMSTAD – The cleanup and redevelopment of the Zakito lagoon are moving forward as planned. Where the water was once polluted and stagnant, efforts are now underway to actively remove sediment. A temporary bridge at the site is gradually being dismantled to make way for a modern movable bridge, aimed at improving access to the lagoon as part of a broader development project. 

Government and Investors Drive Zakito Development 

The Curaçaoan government, in collaboration with the tourism board and private investors, is working to develop the Zakito area. The project, known as The View Resort & Marina in Zakito, extends from the Aqualectra entrance to the World Trade Center building in Piscadera. The plans include infrastructure improvements and expanded tourism offerings. 

In May 2023, the government issued construction permits to Royal Holding Company II B.V. for the development of a marina in Zakito, which includes a breakwater and the movable bridge. 

A 78,000-square-meter area on the western side of the lagoon has been designated for tourism as part of the redevelopment. This area lies between the lagoon, Royal Palm Resort, and the under-construction The View Resort & Marina. 

Local Residents Protest Environmental Impact 

Despite the ongoing redevelopment, the project has faced persistent opposition from local residents and environmental groups. 

In March 2024, the activist group "Red Onze Lagune" (Save Our Lagoon) organized a protest march with over 200 participants, voicing concerns about the project’s impact on the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. Critics fear that the marina and the new movable bridge could disturb local flora and fauna and potentially degrade water quality. 

In April 2024, residents submitted a petition with 1,500 signatures to Parliament, calling for greater transparency and public input in the redevelopment process. They emphasized the importance of maintaining public access to the waterfront and expressed concerns that privatization of certain areas could exclude the local community from recreational opportunities. 

Developer Denies Environmental Damage 

Royal Holding Company II B.V., the developer behind the project, has pushed back against recent reports alleging destruction of mangrove trees and damage to coral reefs due to construction activities in Zakito. The company insists that these claims are unfounded and that all necessary measures have been taken to protect the natural habitat. 

As the Zakito redevelopment progresses, the conflict between economic interests and environmental preservation remains at the forefront of public debate in Curaçao.