Aruba’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, Internal Services and Telecommunications, Rene Herdé, has outlined plans to improve infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and support community development.
During a presentation on Monday evening in San Nicolas, Herdé announced that 15 million florins has been allocated for infrastructure projects in San Nicolas, Oranjestad, and Noord. Of this amount, 6 million is earmarked for San Nicolas, 5 million for Oranjestad, and 4 million for Noord.
The plans cover seven road routes and include improvements to public lighting in Seroe Colorado, rainwater drainage systems in several locations, road renovations, and revitalization projects in De Vuyst, Bushiri, Sabana Basora, and Kiviti. The government also plans to establish a Rapid Response Team to address infrastructure needs.
To improve access to affordable housing, the government has introduced changes to the land allocation process. For plots of 500 square meters or less, homes must have a minimum floor area of 60 square meters. Applicants now have 60 days, instead of 30, to submit financial documentation after a preliminary reservation. The reservation period is 90 days following approval and payment of the applicable fees.
The changes aim to give applicants more time to organize their finances, expand homeownership opportunities, and limit speculation involving public land.
The government is also working with FCCA on housing projects for older adults, consisting of one-bedroom homes of approximately 50 square meters. The proposed developments include 39 homes at Weg Kust Batterij, 90 at Cas Paloma, and 150 at Rooi Congo. Work is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and continue through 2028, depending on preparations and financing.
In Burubundu, approximately 1,000 housing units are planned, with a proposed distribution of 50%, 35%, and 15% based on the number of bedrooms per home. Interested individuals can contact the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) for registration information. The government also presented a development plan for Seroe Colorado under its plans for Colony.
The government says these initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure, make housing more accessible, strengthen communities, and create more opportunities for families and future generations.
