Member of Parliament Eduard Pieters has expressed his serious concern regarding various aspects that are still not sufficiently clear, especially when dealing with such an important project that has a potentially large impact on the community and environment. During a meeting with the Foundation Consenshi di Pueblo di Aruba (CONPA), MP Pieters received an explanation and overview of the areas that could possibly be affected by the Burunbundo Housing Plan, as well as the alternative suggested by CONPA.
Discussion must go to Parliament
Pieters emphasized that the PPA party is not against development, nor against investment. But precisely when dealing with large projects that can affect land, nature, the community, safety, and the future of Aruba, Parliament has an obligation to look deeper. “I can understand that there are projects that take many years to mature, but when it reaches Parliament with many holes in it, we cannot act as if everything is clear,” Pieters indicated.
The Foundation also expresses concern
According to Pieters, during the meeting and consultation, the foundation and relevant actors with knowledge of the area also expressed various concerns regarding the impact of the development on our nature. Their concerns cannot be considered a minor detail, because they focus on the very foundation of the project: land use, existing restrictions, and the direct and indirect impact on the natural area. “I came to the meeting, and it is evident that there are still legitimate concerns that must be addressed before we move forward.”
Rules for some and flexibility for others?
One of the points that caught PPA’s attention the most is what appears to be differential treatment in the application of certain territorial restrictions. Pieters pointed out that on various occasions, citizens and investors have found themselves confronted with severe limitations regarding land use based on the LRO and ROP(V). However, in this case, a nameless subdivision plan for at least a thousand residents with multiple stories near a sensitive natural area seems to face no issues at all. “The people have a right to ask and know if the same rules apply to everyone, or if flexibility and exceptions are granted in certain subdivision plans,” Pieters questioned.
Parliament must do its job
According to Pieters, precisely for that reason, he, as the faction leader of PPA, will request the President of the Infrastructure Committee to hold a formal meeting with CONPA so they can present additional information to Parliament. For PPA, this is not an attempt to hinder development, but rather an action to guarantee that important decisions are made with sufficient information and total transparency. “Our role as parliamentarians is not simply to approve projects. Our role is to protect the general interest of Aruba and ensure that development is done responsibly.”
Transparency helps build trust
Pieters concluded that responsible development requires more than just beautiful promises. It demands information, transparency, and respect for nature, the community, and the Rule of Law. Aruba needs investment and progress, but sustainable progress requires clarity, public participation, and trust. “Development that is truly good for Aruba should not be afraid of questions. On the contrary, it answers them,” Eduard Pieters concluded.
