WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Sandy Losiabaar is demanding clarity from Economic Development Minister Roderick Middelhof over delays in the renovation of Marshe Nobo, warning that vendors are being forced to work under difficult conditions while waiting to return to the market.
Losiabaar submitted ten questions to the minister under Article 96A of the Rules of Procedure of the Curaçao Parliament after it became apparent that the renovation is taking longer than initially anticipated.
During the renovation, Marshe Nobo vendors have been temporarily relocated to Plasa Papa Godett in Punda so they can continue operating their businesses.
According to Losiabaar, however, the temporary arrangement is creating significant challenges. Vendors are working in an open environment where they are exposed daily to strong sunlight, rain, wind and dust.
The parliamentarian wants Middelhof to explain the current status of the Marshe Nobo renovation and identify the main reasons for the delay. She is also asking for both the original completion date and the government’s latest projected date for finishing the work.
Another issue is government oversight of the project. Losiabaar wants to know what monitoring and supervision mechanisms are in place to ensure that construction progresses according to schedule and to prevent further delays.
She argues that the situation has both economic and social consequences for the vendors and their families. Marshe Nobo also has historical, cultural and commercial importance for Curaçao, making timely completion of the renovation particularly important.
Losiabaar is asking whether Middelhof is fully aware of the conditions under which the vendors are currently operating and what concrete measures the government has taken, or intends to take, to improve their temporary working environment.
She also wants the government to provide assurances that the renovation will be completed within a reasonable period and that the renovated market will adequately meet the needs of its vendors.
The questions put additional pressure on the government to provide a clear timeline for the reopening of Marshe Nobo and explain why the original renovation schedule has not been met.