Minister of Infrastructure Rene Herdé recently outlined a strategic plan to invest the infrastructure budget for long-term road quality. Speaking in an interview with DIARIO, the Minister emphasized the necessity of moving away from temporary fixes to ensure sustainable road maintenance on the island.
Following legal tendering procedures and finalizing agreements with asphalt companies, the Minister expects paving work to commence within the next two weeks. The Department of Public Works (DOW) is conducting an analysis of various asphalt systems to determine the most suitable materials for Aruba’s specific climate and soil conditions. Minister Herdé noted that a recent visit to a technical infrastructure school in the Netherlands revealed that there are 25 distinct types of asphalt designed for different environments.
By combining this international knowledge with the experience of DOW and local asphalt companies, the government aims to utilize the recently approved infrastructure budget efficiently. The Minister highlighted the success of the Green Corridor and Watty Vos Boulevard, noting that their current good condition is due to both high-quality materials and regular preventive maintenance. Stating that he no longer wishes to see the persistent potholes of the past, Herdé insisted that simply filling holes is not a viable solution. The new road projects will be executed with a long-term vision to ensure durability.
