WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s government has set a target of completing 90 percent of planned road projects in 2027 as it prepares to sharply increase infrastructure spending and address the island’s backlog of road maintenance.
The target represents a significant improvement over the government’s own performance indicators for previous years. According to the 2027 budget, approximately 60 percent of projects planned under the Multi-Year Road Maintenance Program, or MOP, were implemented in 2025.
The target rises to approximately 75 percent in 2026 and 90 percent in 2027.
A similar 90-percent target has been established for regular road-infrastructure maintenance. Nine out of every ten planned activities should be carried out according to schedule, contractual agreements and required quality standards next year.
The targets are significant because Curaçao’s infrastructure challenge is not solely a question of how much money is available. The government and the Advisory Council have also pointed to limited implementation capacity within the public sector as a potential cause of delays in investment projects.
The government is nevertheless substantially increasing the resources available for road infrastructure. Nearly XCG 51 million is earmarked for the MOP in 2027, with approximately XCG 52 million annually projected for subsequent years.
The program will be used to reconstruct existing roads, address deferred maintenance and gradually pave unpaved roads in residential neighborhoods and outlying areas.
The government says poor road conditions create several practical and safety problems. During rainfall, unpaved roads can suffer from erosion and mud and become difficult to access. During dry periods, dust becomes a problem, while poor surfaces can also contribute to skidding and vehicle damage.
Accessibility is another concern, particularly where deteriorated roads make it more difficult for residents and emergency services to reach certain areas.
The government has not yet identified which unpaved roads will be paved in 2027. Those projects are expected to be selected later based on priorities.
Overall funding for roads, streets and public squares will rise from more than XCG 52 million in 2026 to more than XCG 75 million in 2027. Excluding accounting depreciation, nearly XCG 68 million will be available for maintenance, goods and services and new investments.
The combination of substantially higher funding and the 90-percent implementation target will make 2027 an important test of whether Curaçao can translate larger infrastructure budgets into visible improvements on the island’s roads.