ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Parliamentarian Shailiny Tromp-Lee has expressed serious concerns regarding the current administration’s handling of infrastructure projects, following the revelation that 18 million florin road paving have remained unused. The criticism comes after more than a year of reported inactivity despite the availability of funds.
According to Tromp-Lee, the budget was specifically allocated in December 2024 to repair and asphalt roads across the island based on criteria established by the Department of Public Works (DOW). Although the necessary preparations were reportedly completed and specific roads were selected for repairs, no execution has taken place. The MP noted that the community continues to navigate roadways in poor condition while the financial resources sit idle.
“It is a serious lack of transparency and handling,” Tromp-Lee remarked, questioning why the government opted not to proceed with the paving projects. She highlighted that after 403 days of “silence,” and with the calendar now showing May 2026, neither the minister nor the government has provided a justified explanation for the failure to utilize the 18 million florins.
The parliamentarian emphasized that governance requires setting priorities, arguing that in this instance, the well-being of the people and the maintenance of infrastructure were neglected. Tromp-Lee demanded accountability, stating that the people of Aruba deserve to know why the investment was lost to bureaucracy or indecision, and called for immediate action to resolve the unjustifiable delay.
