WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has reserved more than ANG 2.1 million for the replacement of the athletics track at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Three proposals are currently under review, but no final decision has been made and no starting date for the project has been announced.
Sport Minister Sithree van Heydoorn provided the update in response to questions from MAN-PIN faction leader Giselle Mc William regarding overdue maintenance at the Sentro Deportivo Kòrsou (SDK). The response comes as the Curaçao Athletics Federation (CAB) recently decided to stop organizing official competitions on the deteriorated track.
According to Van Heydoorn, the current athletics track is no longer suitable for training sessions and competitions. The government aims to begin the replacement project in 2026, but the minister could not provide a timeline for the start or completion of the work.
The financial approval process is currently in its final phase. Once the formal authorization is granted, the government can proceed with selecting an implementation partner.
Three options under review
Since August 2025, the Ministry of Sport has been studying different solutions for the replacement of the track. The government is also exploring the possibility of constructing a new athletics track at the Odulio Willems Stadium in cooperation with sports foundation FDDK, the Curaçao Athletics Federation and other stakeholders.
For the SDK athletics track, three technical proposals have been submitted. These include a prefabricated track from Italian manufacturer Mondo, an on-site applied sandwich system from GCC Sport Surfaces, and a prefabricated system from Enlio.
Mondo tracks are used at Olympic Games and international athletics championships. Enlio is described by the minister as the most affordable option. The final assessment will consider quality, expected lifespan, maintenance costs and compliance with World Athletics standards.
Former top sprinter Churandy Martina was also consulted as an expert based on his international athletics experience.
Van Heydoorn explained that all technical preparations must be completed before construction begins to avoid unexpected costs during implementation.
No public tender
According to the minister, no public tender appears to have been launched. Instead, direct quotations were requested from specialized companies capable of carrying out the work on Curaçao.
FDDK will be responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the project.
The current athletics track was constructed in 2012 and had an expected lifespan of approximately ten years. In recent years, athletes and trainers have raised concerns about cracks, uneven surfaces, injuries and the deteriorating condition of the track.
Investments in SDK complex
The athletics track is not the only facility requiring attention at SDK. The Errol Rooizaal sports hall also needs renovation. According to Van Heydoorn, FDDK has prepared a renovation plan requiring at least ANG 1 million.
However, the sports hall project will be postponed because replacing the athletics track has been given priority.
The Enith Brigitha swimming pool is currently considered to be in satisfactory condition, according to the minister. Pumps and filters are functioning properly, while technical issues are addressed by FDDK when they occur.
Between 2022 and 2026, nearly ANG 9.5 million was invested in the SDK complex. Including the planned athletics track replacement, total investment would rise to almost ANG 11.6 million.
FDDK receives an annual government subsidy of ANG 6 million and generates additional income through activities such as the D-Gym fitness centre, concessions, commercial activities and events. According to Van Heydoorn, these revenues are reinvested into maintaining and improving sports facilities.
The minister acknowledged that maintenance costs, utilities, security and technical services often exceed the available budget, creating additional pressure on the management of Curaçao’s sports infrastructure.