WILLEMSTAD – Residents of the Zakitó area have asked the Court of First Instance to immediately halt an ongoing construction project, arguing that the development is causing irreversible damage to the natural environment and their living conditions.
The request was submitted as a preliminary injunction, as residents await a substantive ruling on the legality of the project. According to the petitioners, construction activities have continued despite their earlier objections, including the filling in of a lagoon and preparations for high-rise development.
Residents warn that the lagoon infill represents a permanent intervention that cannot be undone. They also argue that the broader development threatens to cause lasting damage to the landscape and the surrounding residential environment.
In addition to environmental concerns, the group questions whether the project complies with existing regulations. They claim that the proposed building height may conflict with the Island Development Plan and that there has been no proper balancing of interests.
The residents further argue that no comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been carried out, despite the area being described as a vulnerable coastal zone with mangroves and marine ecosystems.
According to the petition, the continuation of construction before a court ruling undermines their legal protection. If the works proceed, they warn, the situation may become irreversible—even if the court later finds in their favor.
The court is expected to decide on the request for a temporary halt in the coming period.