WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Parliament will move to a new home in the former Aqualectra building in Rif, a decision made to address the current fragmentation and impractical working conditions faced by Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. 

For years, the parliamentary workforce has been spread across four separate locations: the City Hall, the old Central Bank building, the former La Bonanza premises, and a rented floor in the La Coste building. Each site has its own entrance, lobby, waiting area, and security, resulting in high operational costs and an inefficient setup. 

In some cases, conditions have been far from ideal. Staff in the La Bonanza building work in offices without windows or proper ventilation, while other sites lack basic amenities such as daylight and adequate air circulation. 

A Step Toward Centralization and Modernization 

The choice of the Aqualectra building is seen as a move toward centralization, allowing all parliamentary services to operate under one roof. Lawmakers believe this will lead to cost savings, a more professional work environment, and greater efficiency in parliamentary operations. 

Concerns Over Temporary Move to Forti 

In the meantime, Parliament’s temporary relocation to the Forti building—originally planned during the renovation of City Hall—remains a topic of debate. Critics point to limited space for staff, increased security costs, and potential disruptions from construction at the nearby Plaza Hotel. 

There is also substantive criticism over housing both the legislative and executive branches under one roof, which some argue undermines the separation of powers between Parliament and government. 

Despite these concerns, many MPs welcome the prospect of ending the current fragmented setup. Lawmakers are now urging clarity on the timeline for the eventual move to the Rif location, which they see as key to ensuring continuity in parliamentary work.