ORANJESTAD (AAN): Motorists across Aruba are raising questions about the condition of the island’s roads, citing significant deterioration despite the collection of substantial motor vehicle tax revenue by the Tax Department.
Community members have expressed frustration over pothole-ridden streets, uneven surfaces, and deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in residential neighborhoods and secondary roads. The complaints come as road users continue to pay what many consider high vehicle taxes specifically intended for road maintenance and improvement.
Local advocacy groups are calling on the government to provide a transparent accounting of how road tax funds have been allocated and spent. Critics argue that the current state of many roads poses safety risks to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, and represents a failure to deliver on expected public infrastructure standards.
The Department of Public Works has acknowledged the concerns and stated that road maintenance projects are underway, though residents note that progress has been slow and unevenly distributed across districts. Several high-traffic areas remain in urgent need of repair, with some roads showing significant damage that has persisted for months.
Parliamentarians have also weighed in on the issue, urging the minister responsible for infrastructure to present a comprehensive plan addressing the backlog of road repairs and a timeline for completion.
