Two buildings, two completely different realities, and according to PPA Member of Parliament Eduard Pieters, a single political problem: a lack of decisions, courage, and vision.
During a press conference in downtown Oranjestad this morning—the district where Pieters was born—the MP deliberately stood between the two scenarios.
On one side, a building in complete decay. On the other side, a property where local investors have poured millions of florins, but which, according to Pieters, are struggling to make proper use of their investment. For Pieters, this contrast symbolizes what is happening not only in Oranjestad, but also in San Nicolas and other districts across Aruba.
“We cannot keep punishing those who do the right thing”
Pieters’ concern is that local investors who follow the legal process remain stuck while their capital sits idle. According to Pieters, some are already considering investing their money in other countries. The consequence, Pieters warns, is dangerous: if the system punishes those who do their due diligence and follow the legal path, the Government creates an incentive for people to seek alternative routes.
“The person who does their job the way it should be done gets punished. That has to stop!”
ROPV must evolve with Aruba
The ROPV came into effect on September 1, 2021. After five years, Aruba needs to evaluate whether this instrument still adequately responds to the country’s economic, ecological, social, and territorial reality. According to Pieters, the PPA has spoken with citizens, environmentalists, and economists, bringing three key points to the table:
Density: Oranjestad and San Nicolas must be given more opportunities to increase density, including more housing in the city center. More people living in the city also creates more economic activity.
Vertical construction: Aruba’s land area is not growing. For Pieters, a more efficient use of space means creating possibilities to build more vertically, naturally accompanied by adequate infrastructure.
Revising zoning and boundaries between inhabited areas and nature: The goal, according to Pieters, must be twofold: real nature protection and sufficient space for housing and development.
The ROPV itself seeks a balance between economic and social development and the protection of nature and the environment.
Oranjestad is not just Wilhelminastraat
Pieters also criticized what he considers a overly narrow focus on the revitalization of our capital. He agrees with the attention the minister and government give to Wilhelminastraat, but reminds them that Oranjestad includes: Havenstraat, De La Sallestraat, John G. Emanstraat, and surrounding neighborhoods. “You cannot fix ten meters, lay down pavers, and claim you are investing in Oranjestad.”
For Pieters, revitalization must be holistic: spatial planning, infrastructure, housing, investment, and economic activity must move forward together.
Government has the tools; what is missing is courage to decide
Article 7.1 of the ROPV effectively grants the minister the authority, under specific conditions, to modify land-use designations and regulations (voorschriften) for initiatives with added economic, tourism, recreational, housing, or employment value. This authority does not apply to certain protected zones and includes environmental and habitability conditions (ensuring a suitable and safe living environment).
Pieters’ call to the Government is to sit down with investors and utilize legal instruments where applicable while the process to evaluate the ROPV progresses. According to Pieters, every day, week, and month the Government fails to act increases the risk of local capital seeking opportunities abroad.
“Aruba does not just have a problem with decaying buildings. The bigger problem is when investors are ready to build the future, but the Government is not ready to decide,” Eduard Pieters concluded.