WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) has begun preparations to renovate the water treatment plant at Tera Kora as part of efforts to increase the availability of affordable water for local agriculture, particularly for farmers in Bandabou.
The work forms part of the “Kòrsou ta Produsí” project, which was launched by GMN at the end of 2025 and falls under the responsibility of Minister Gilmar Pisas in his portfolio for Environment and Nature.
The project is aimed at accelerating agricultural and livestock production in Curaçao, increasing local food production and improving the conditions under which farmers operate.
As part of the initiative, Pisas has decided to renovate and upgrade the Tera Kora water treatment facility, which is currently not operational. Once restored, the plant is expected to provide treated water specifically for agricultural purposes.
GMN said the project could particularly benefit farmers in Bandabou by making water available closer to agricultural areas. This could improve access while reducing transportation costs for farmers who currently have to obtain water from farther away.
The treated water will not be suitable for drinking. According to the ministry, the treatment process includes the use of ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria, after which the water can be used for agricultural purposes.
Because farmers would be using treated agricultural water rather than drinking water, GMN expects it can be supplied at a lower cost. The shorter transportation distance could provide farmers with additional savings.
Preparations for the renovation have already started. GMN is carrying out the project in cooperation with the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP).
The government sees improved access to affordable agricultural water as an important part of expanding domestic food production. Water availability has long been one of the practical challenges facing agriculture in Curaçao's dry climate.
By restoring the Tera Kora facility, the government hopes to create better production conditions for Bandabou farmers, facilitate further expansion of agriculture in the area and contribute to greater food security.
The broader objective of “Kòrsou ta Produsí” is to increase the amount of food produced locally and gradually reduce Curaçao's dependence on imported food.