Investment of 17 million florins in roads around Aruba
ORANJESTAD - Since there is a surplus in the budget of Aruba this year, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that the government will invest a total of 17 million florins in roads around Aruba in collaboration with the Department of Public Works (DOW).
Currently, there are various challenges in paving or repairing roads, as there is only one asphalt plant, which cannot always meet the demand. There are also plans to pave dirt roads, but obstacles, such as light poles in the middle of the road, fences from houses on the road, or pipes installation under the road.
Therefore, not all challenges are in the hands of the DOW, but they are working on these issues, and the roads remain in the planning.
DOW presented the results of a study they conducted on how to restore all roads in Aruba in the long term. The study results indicated that over the next 15 years, 17 million florins will need to be invested annually in paving dirt roads and repairing those in bad condition. This year, 17 million florins are available for paving dirt roads and maintaining asphalt roads.
DOW uses a system to prioritize roads, depending on the condition of the road, the cost of repairing a dirt road, the number of residents, and the frequency of use of the particular road.