WILLEMSTAD – Residents of Otrobanda are raising concerns about persistent garbage problems in the historic neighborhood, warning that years of neglect are taking a toll on public health, safety, and the image of Curaçao as a tourist destination.
Along the Brionweg, piles of trash have reportedly been left untouched for days. Residents say the situation has reached a point where roads are nearly blocked, stray dogs roam the area, and there are even reports of animals bleeding among the waste. According to locals, multiple government services pass by daily, yet no concrete action is taken to clean up the area or address the underlying problems.
The frustration is growing, particularly because Curaçao continues to promote itself internationally as a clean, welcoming island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Every day, four to five planes full of tourists arrive, many of whom pass through or near Otrobanda. For residents, the contrast is painful: visitors are welcomed to what is marketed as a beautiful and orderly island, while some neighborhoods are left to struggle with basic sanitation issues.
At the same time, several community members stress that the problem cannot be placed solely at the feet of the government. While authorities have a clear responsibility to ensure regular waste collection, enforcement, and maintenance of public spaces, residents themselves also play a crucial role. Illegal dumping, careless disposal of household waste, and a lack of neighborhood accountability all contribute to the situation.
Community leaders argue that lasting improvement will only come through a shared sense of responsibility. They are calling on the government to step up with consistent cleaning schedules, enforcement against illegal dumping, and visible action in neglected areas. But they also urge residents to take pride in their surroundings, keep their streets clean, and look out for one another.
Otrobanda is one of Curaçao’s oldest and most culturally significant districts. Residents say it deserves better. Clean streets are not just about appearance; they are about dignity, health, and respect—for the people who live there and for the visitors who come to experience the island.
Photo credit: Arthur Curiel