WILLEMSTAD - In a letter addressed to Prime Minister of Curaçao Gilmar Pisas, Member of Parliament for the opposition party PAR, Steven Croes, expresses his concern over the government's plan to invest 4 million florins to improve Soto Park.
Croes requests the Prime Minister to urgently answer the following question: Why was it chosen to invest over 4 million guilders in just one project?
He provides an example, stating that to improve 'Jong Holland' Park with grass and lighting, it cost 1.6 million, and at Brievengat, 'Rising Trotters' Park cost 1.4 million to install artificial grass and lighting. In Banda Abou, there are also parks like Rio Magdalena and Lagun that require grass and lighting. If, for instance, 1.4 million was used in Soto Park, other neighborhoods could benefit from an improved park.
The Member of Parliament continues to question the basis for the decision to invest in Soto Park, as well as the allocation of 4 million guilders.
Croes also wonders why a similar investment was not made in Tera Kora, where, compared to Soto, there is a larger population and several schools in the area.
He inquires whether the government has developed a maintenance plan to sustain this costly and extensive project and requests a copy if such a plan exists.
The Member of Parliament continues to question why the significant amount was not chosen to be invested in sports management. For example, bringing in professional external trainers to train athletes and local trainers.
Alternatively, investing in sports facilities at (foundation) schools where all children and talented individuals in Curaçao have access to sports. The government has a subsidy relationship with sports organizations such as FDOK and FDDK, but they face budget shortfalls every year. Therefore, the option could have been considered to allocate part of the funds to increase the subsidy for these organizations. When there is a lack of funds, it is essential to be more efficient and prioritize where necessary.
Croes points out that everyone can see that the Ergilio Hato National Stadium requires significant maintenance and upgrading. Hence, he questions why a portion of the 4 million florins was not used to invest in the national stadium.
Croes reminds the Pisas that the 4-million-guilder investment in Soto Park is only the first phase as was mentioned by the Prime Minister, and the MP wants to know the estimated cost of the subsequent phases.