WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE - The Ministry of Defense is using the Wacawa area, a protected nature reserve on Bandabou, as a military training and shooting area, although no permits have been applied for this. This was reported by Follow the Money.
A military training village of sea containers was constructed in 2019 on a bare plain. According to the Curaçao Island Development Plan, Wacawa is a conservation area because it is home to rare and endangered animal species. A WOB request now shows that Defense has not applied for a permit for the activities and military exercises on Wacawa. The defense top on the island knew about this but decided to continue construction anyway.
The application form for the permit states that there is a two months prison term and a fine of more than 2,200 euros if buildings are constructed without a permit.
The Ministry of Defense says it “regrets the state of affairs and will do everything it can to resolve the situation as soon as possible”. Defense assumes that it can continue to use the terrain