CUA: DOW’s lack of response holds back businesses and puts infrastructure under pressure

ORANJESTAD – Frans Ponson, president of Comerciantenan Uni di Aruba (CUA), on Tuesday morning strongly criticized the functioning of the Department of Public Works (DOW) and, more broadly, the way the Government is dealing with infrastructure, permits and requests from businesses and citizens. According to Ponson, this is neither a new problem nor one limited to a single government, but a “structural” situation that has persisted for years without a sustainable solution.

COMPLAINTS FROM CUA MEMBERS

During the press conference, Ponson said CUA receives complaints from members who have been waiting a year, a year and a half or even longer for a response to their applications. “It cannot be possible for a business owner to submit something and, more than a year later, still not even receive an answer. Explain to me how we are supposed to run a country like this,” Ponson said.

LACK OF CLARITY

According to the CUA president, the problem is not only the delay itself, but also the lack of clarity. An entrepreneur who wants to invest, take out a loan or open a business needs to know whether a project is feasible and within what timeframe a decision can be expected. “Give people an answer. If it is no, say no. If it is yes, say when. But do not allow someone to invest money and take on debt based on a promise while the permit never comes through,” Ponson continued.

Ponson said this uncertainty can discourage prospective entrepreneurs even before their businesses have had a chance to open. According to him, this runs counter to Aruba’s stated ambition to stimulate business activity and economic diversification.

CUA maintains that the ultimate responsibility for finding a solution lies with the Government and the responsible minister. Ponson acknowledged that DOW may face limitations in staffing or resources, but said this cannot become a permanent excuse for failing to process requests. “If there is a problem, we have to deal with it. In the private sector, when something does not work, you look for a solution. Government has to do the same.”

ROADS ALSO UNDER CRITICISM

Ponson broadened his criticism to include the condition of Aruba’s roads. According to him, there is a sharp contrast between Aruba’s image as a “five-star” destination and the condition of parts of its road infrastructure. He cited major roads in and around the hotel area as an example, noting that motorists are confronted with potholes and deteriorated road surfaces while Aruba collects vehicle tax on thousands of vehicles every year. “We sell Aruba as five-star, but when a tourist leaves the hotel, they almost have to start looking for new shock absorbers for the car.”

Ponson questioned where revenues from vehicle taxes are going and how much asphalt has actually been laid in recent years. According to him, the Government needs to be clearer with the public about which roads can be repaired, when the work will take place and what budget is available. He also referred to roads that remain closed for long periods without a solution, including a situation near a school where, according to him, accidents continue to occur regularly. “We cannot wait until something serious happens near a school before we start taking action. If a road is dangerous and has been closed for two years, the public has the right to know what the plan is.”

CUA CALLS FOR A PLAN WITH DEADLINES

For CUA, one possible solution is for the Government to publish a concrete plan with clear deadlines for processing applications. Ponson suggested that if DOW or another department cannot respond immediately, there should at least be a system that tells citizens and business owners within how many months they can expect a decision. “We need clarity. You do not have to tell everyone ‘today’, because the system is under pressure. But say: within six months you will receive an answer. Something concrete that the public can rely on.”Ponson emphasized that the concern is not limited to business owners, but affects the entire community, as ordinary citizens face the same delays when submitting letters or applications to the Government. According to CUA, the issue should become a political priority, not only to protect business and investment, but also to increase confidence in the public administration. “We cannot continue with stories and promises. People need to be able to trust that when the Government says something, there is a plan, a date and an answer.”

PUBLIC EXPLANATION NEEDED

CUA is calling on the Government and the minister responsible for DOW to publicly explain the current situation, the department’s capacity and the measures that will be taken to reduce delays involving permits, applications and infrastructure maintenance.