ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes expressed satisfaction with the 2026 budget for the Department of Public Works (DOW), in which the AVP-Futuro government allocated 19.4 million florins for infrastructure repairs and maintenance across Aruba.
According to Arends-Reyes, the budget includes 3.5 million florins for DOW operational expenses and an additional 15.6 million florins from various investment and neighborhood renewal funds dedicated to repairing, renovating, and maintaining Aruba’s infrastructure.
She stated that the allocation demonstrates that the AVP-Futuro administration takes infrastructure seriously and places the needs of the Aruban people first.
“Infrastructure is an essential foundation for economic development, traffic safety, and quality of life. Without serious maintenance, we are leaving our country behind,” Arends-Reyes said.
The parliamentarian explained that the 19.4 million florins will directly fund road repairs, infrastructure restoration projects, and other essential community improvements.
“People see and feel the damage on the roads every day. This is not only an issue of comfort but also one of public safety,” she added.
Arends-Reyes emphasized that years of insufficient structural investment contributed to the current deterioration of Aruba’s infrastructure.
“Now AVP-Futuro is showing leadership and responsibility. The 2026 DOW budget is a concrete step to prevent further deterioration and address the backlog we are facing,” she explained.
The AVP faction also submitted seven motions proposing solutions for various community concerns, including increased maintenance in San Nicolas, development of additional beaches to reduce overcrowding, parking solutions in the hotel area, additional infrastructure funding, and requests for roundabouts at dangerous intersections.
Arends-Reyes also raised questions and requests for attention to several neighborhoods and projects, including Palm Beach, Rooi Afo, Tanki Leendert, Caya Frère Alexius, Kukwisastraat, school infrastructure, sewer systems connected to Watty Vos Boulevard, and faster construction permit processes with additional staffing support at DOW.
“We are working toward a stronger, safer, and more modern Aruba. Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” Arends-Reyes concluded.
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