WILLEMSTAD – The ongoing legal battle surrounding the construction project near the Zakitó lagoon is evolving into a wider debate about legal protection, environmental policy, and the role of government in Curaçao.
According to the action group Movimentu Save Zakitó, the situation highlights a structural imbalance in which citizens are at a disadvantage when confronting large-scale development projects.
Tensions over the Zakitó project have been building for some time. In 2025, residents submitted a formal enforcement request to Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper, citing alleged violations linked to the development. These included dredging activities reportedly carried out without permits, possible violations of permitted building heights, and damage to mangroves and natural water flow in the area.
When no substantive response followed, residents took the matter to court. The Court of First Instance ruled that the minister was required to issue a decision and recognized individual residents as interested parties in the case.
However, the subsequent decision triggered renewed criticism. Instead of addressing the substance of the complaints, the enforcement request was again declared inadmissible. The decision was based in part on criteria such as the distance of residents from the project site and whether they had a direct line of sight.
Movimentu Save Zakitó argues that this approach undermines access to legal protection, making it difficult for citizens to challenge developments that may affect their environment and living conditions.
Ongoing legal proceedings
The legal process is far from over. In 2026, a new case has been filed, including claims against the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature, which maintains that no environmental nuisance permit is required for the project.
According to the action group, the Zakitó case reflects a broader structural issue in Curaçao, where development projects move forward while citizens face limited avenues to influence decisions or seek protection against potential impacts.
Concerns over land policy and environment
The group also points to the island’s leasehold (erfpacht) system as a contributing factor. In this system, the government acts both as landowner and as the authority issuing permits, a dual role that, according to the group, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Environmental concerns remain central to the dispute. Movimentu Save Zakitó warns that damage to mangroves and lagoon ecosystems could weaken natural coastal protection against storms and disrupt the ecological balance of the island.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case is increasingly being seen as a test of how Curaçao balances economic development with environmental protection and the rights of its citizens.