WILLEMSTAD – The View says it has no plans to turn the existing beach near its Zakitó marina development into a private beach and maintains that both Koredor and the public coastal zone will remain accessible to everyone.
The assurances come amid concerns from Movimentu Save Zakitó about the future of public access as development of the marina and surrounding area continues.
According to project developer Adam Kiolle, the existing small beach near the breakwater on the Parasasa side of the new drawbridge will remain public.
The developer intends to improve the beach after construction work is completed by adding sand, trees and palapas.
Kiolle also said there are no plans to restrict public access to Koredor or the public coastal zone.
A separate artificial beach being developed near the former Sundance buildings is not part of The View project, according to Kiolle. Questions concerning that development should therefore be directed to the government.
Access to the lagoon itself is more complicated.
The developer cannot guarantee unrestricted use of all parts of the inner water area because safety measures may eventually be required. Swimming could, for example, be prohibited in areas designated as navigation channels for vessels using the marina.
The precise rules have not yet been established and are expected to be determined by the government and the public entity that will eventually manage the lagoon.
The View says it is also considering whether a free public swimming area could be established within the inner waters.
Movimentu Save Zakitó has demanded greater clarity about the future status of the area, arguing that the public should know exactly which sections will remain freely accessible and which rights will eventually be granted to the private developer.
The debate is expected to continue until the government formally establishes the management and access arrangements for the lagoon.