WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has granted Royal Holding Company II (RHC II) a one-year permit for large-scale dredging operations in Zakito, as part of preparations for the construction of a new marina. The permit applies only to the dredging phase; additional approvals will be required for subsequent stages of the project.

The project involves deepening the inland waters, cleaning up the heavily contaminated seabed, and partially filling in certain water areas. In total, more than 41,000 cubic meters of polluted soil are expected to be removed.

Environmental Concerns vs. Economic Development

The residents’ organization Save Zakito, which has long opposed the project, continues to stress the risks it poses to nature and the environment. The group has raised concerns that dredging and infill work could cause irreversible damage to coastal ecosystems.

The government, however, argues that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Officials have emphasized that safeguarding Curaçao’s vulnerable ecosystems remains a top priority, even as projects such as the Zakito marina aim to stimulate investment and create new opportunities for tourism.