WILLEMSTAD – Political party KEM is calling on Parliament to introduce legislation that would force the government’s Domeinbeheer department to issue final decisions on land-related requests within a maximum period of six months.
According to KEM, residents should no longer be forced to wait decades for answers regarding applications involving government land, leasehold rights, rental agreements, or permits.
In a public statement, the party argued that Domeinbeheer — the department responsible for managing and supervising government-owned land — has a duty to process requests efficiently and transparently.
The department oversees matters such as erfpacht applications, land leases, permits, and ensuring that public land is used according to existing laws and spatial planning regulations.
KEM stated that the current situation is unacceptable, claiming that some residents have waited 20, 30, 40, and even 50 years for clarity on their applications.
Proposal Inspired by “Silent Approval” Systems
The party is proposing legislation that would establish a legal six-month deadline for responses from Domeinbeheer.
KEM also pointed to systems used in other countries known as “Silent Approval” or “Silence Means Consent,” where a lack of response from government authorities within a legally established timeframe automatically results in approval of the request.
According to the party, such a system would create a simpler, more transparent, and more efficient process for citizens.
KEM described the proposal not merely as criticism of longstanding bureaucratic delays, but as a concrete solution to structural problems within government administration.
Land Issues Remain Sensitive Political Topic
Land allocation, leasehold rights, and delays within Domeinbeheer have remained politically sensitive issues in Curaçao for years.
Citizens and businesses have frequently complained about long administrative procedures, lack of transparency, inconsistent treatment of applications, and major delays involving government land.
In recent months, multiple political parties and civil society groups have renewed criticism of the handling of land matters, arguing that delays negatively affect housing development, investment projects, and economic growth.
KEM’s proposal is expected to further intensify debate within Parliament over administrative reform, transparency, and the efficiency of government services.