WILLEMSTAD – Former Member of Parliament Ana Maria Pauletta of the PAR party has voiced concerns about the government's plans to develop a new senior housing project in Santa Rosa, arguing that existing housing projects should be completed before new initiatives are launched.
Her comments come in response to the recent announcement that the government has reached an agreement for the construction of senior housing units on the grounds of the former monastery in Santa Rosa. The project, which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), is expected to begin next year.
While acknowledging the need for housing, Pauletta questioned whether the government should be embarking on another major development project while several existing housing initiatives remain unfinished or face ongoing challenges.
“I honestly hope that no more projects are placed in the hands of FKP,” Pauletta said, referring to the government-affiliated housing foundation. According to the former parliamentarian, the current status of several housing developments raises concerns about execution and project management.
Pauletta specifically pointed to the housing project in Tera Kòrá, which she said has once again come to a standstill. She also referenced other developments, including projects in Moonchiweg, Wechi, Sapate and Montaña, suggesting that further scrutiny reveals persistent problems.
“Every time you dig deeper, more issues come to light,” she stated.
The former MP was particularly critical of the Wechi housing project, where she said residents are still waiting for social housing units to be completed. She questioned when the homes would finally be delivered and raised concerns about whether some of the properties could eventually be used for short-term tourist rentals rather than their intended social housing purpose.
“When will the social housing units in Wechi be completed, or are they only going to become Airbnbs? Who is getting rich from Wechi?” Pauletta asked.
Her remarks reflect broader concerns about housing policy and project implementation at a time when demand for affordable housing remains high across Curaçao.
Pauletta is calling on the government to provide greater transparency regarding the progress of existing housing developments before moving forward with new projects. According to her, residents deserve clear answers about delayed projects and the delivery of promised social housing units.
The planned senior housing project in Santa Rosa is intended to address the growing need for accommodation for Curaçao’s aging population. However, Pauletta’s criticism is likely to add to the debate over how housing priorities should be managed and whether current projects are being delivered efficiently and on schedule.