WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's ambitious effort to improve classroom conditions by installing air conditioning in schools risks becoming a costly failure unless the government establishes a long-term strategy for maintenance and funding, the General Audit Chamber has warned.
In its 2025 Annual Report, recently presented to Parliament, the Audit Chamber concludes that the government has yet to create a sustainable foundation for climate control in schools, despite investing millions of guilders in the initiative.
According to the watchdog, there is still no approved multi-year policy governing school climate management, and the long-term costs associated with operating and maintaining the systems have not even been fully calculated.
The Audit Chamber warns that without a structural approach, earlier investments could ultimately be wasted.
It is urging Parliament to hold the Minister of Education accountable and seek clarification on how the government intends to safeguard the investment and ensure schools can continue operating the systems in the years ahead.
The findings form part of a broader assessment of government performance contained in the Audit Chamber's 2025 Annual Report.
The report also notes that the audit of Curaçao's 2023 national accounts once again uncovered billions of guilders in financial errors and uncertainties. Although progress has been made in digitalization and innovation to improve the efficiency of government audits, the Audit Chamber says much faster action is needed to address persistent weaknesses in public financial management.
According to the institution, improving the quality of financial administration and public accountability remains essential for maintaining confidence in government finances and ensuring responsible management of public funds.
Under the leadership of Chairman Joël Felida, the Audit Chamber completed several major performance audits during 2025, including studies on economic licensing and climate control in schools. The institution says it will continue focusing on improving accountability, transparency and the effectiveness of public administration through independent oversight and performance evaluations.