Aruba’s government is developing a new system to streamline the submission, registration and approval of building plans, in an effort to cut the long-standing delays that have frustrated the construction sector for years, 24ora reported on November 7.
The Department of Public Works (DOW) is building the system together with an expert who has experience implementing major changes in Curaçao, Bonaire and the Netherlands. The new system is expected to become operational in January, and a progress update is expected in the coming weeks.
Delays a longstanding problem
According to Minister of Infrastructure René Herdé, the difficulties are well known among professionals in the sector. Several architects have approached the minister seeking a solution to the delays and other challenges they face when submitting building plans for approval. Although the process saw some improvements in the past, the problem has resurfaced.
The system is intended to speed up every stage of the process, from submitting and registering applications to reviewing plans and communicating decisions, while making the procedure more efficient and more transparent for applicants.
Source: 24ora (November 7, 2026)
