WILLEMSTAD - The new parking fees in downtown Curaçao are drawing concerns from Otrobanda residents and community organizations. These fees, implemented on October 15 as part of a government agreement, require paid parking in specific downtown areas, including Punda and Otrobanda. As a result, many drivers are seeking alternative, unpaid parking spaces in residential areas, leading to increased traffic and haphazard parking on narrow streets.
Member of Parliament Ana Maria Pauletta of the Real Alternative Party (PAR) addressed her concerns in a letter to Minister Charles Cooper of the Ministry of Traffic, Transport, and Urban Planning. Pauletta urged the ministry to examine the unintended consequences of the paid parking system in Otrobanda’s residential zones, such as increased traffic, chaotic parking conditions, and high-speed driving in neighborhoods like Rif and Kortijn. She pointed out that while these areas are economically significant, they primarily serve as residential neighborhoods, and the recent developments risk compromising local safety and quality of life.
Pauletta’s letter includes three main questions for the Minister:
Is the Minister aware of the parking issues in Otrobanda neighborhoods caused by drivers avoiding paid parking?
Does the Ministry have an urban planning strategy to manage increased traffic and establish parking and speed regulations for residents?
Is there a communication plan to inform Otrobanda residents of these changes and address potential impacts on their neighborhoods?
She emphasized the importance of balancing urban economic growth with residential well-being, urging prompt government action to prevent future conflicts or accidents.