Castles in the Air

Castles in the Air

July 14, 2026

Yesterday, I came across a social media post announcing plans for eight residential towers to be built in Tera Kòrá. My first reaction was that it had to be fake. I had never heard anything about such a massive project before. But the source turned out to be credible. Later, while watching Mariano's livestream, I noticed that he too was surprised by the announcement. Today, the project is featured in the Antilliaans Dagblad.

Curaçao seems to be developing a fascination with high-rise construction. After The Wharf and the proposed seven towers on Rif, we are now presented with eight more towers in Tera Kòrá.

Let me be clear: I am not opposed to high-rise buildings. Nor am I opposed to ambitious housing projects. On the contrary, Curaçao desperately needs affordable housing, particularly for young people who want to start a family and build their future on the island. The real question is not whether we should build, but what we build, for whom, where, and under what conditions.

As far as I understand, the Tera Kòrá development forms part of Fundashon Kas Popular's (FKP) Mi Kas Awor housing program. It is intended to provide rent-to-own apartments. What remains unclear, however, is when construction will actually begin, how the project will be financed, and over what period it will be completed. I have heard that construction will start with a single tower, but even then many important questions remain unanswered.

How does this new development relate to the Wechi project? That project was once presented as a large-scale residential development that would eventually provide thousands of homes. Years later, questions remain about how much of that vision has actually been realized.

FKP itself also faces significant challenges. The organization has struggled with overdue financial statements, difficulties collecting rent, deferred maintenance, vacant properties, and complaints about unfinished homes. These are not minor administrative issues. They directly affect public confidence.

Against that background, it is reasonable for citizens to ask how much trust they should place in this new "castle in the air."

What is missing most is the broader vision. How does this project fit within a long-term vision for Curaçao toward 2050? How does it align with the island's spatial planning strategy? What will be the impact on traffic, public utilities, schools, healthcare, and the overall quality of life in Tera Kòrá?

Transparency and public participation also appear to be lacking. A project of this magnitude should not first become known through social media or newspaper reports. Residents deserve to be informed before major decisions are made, not after. The people of Tera Kòrá and surrounding neighborhoods have a right to understand what is being planned and to have their voices heard.

There is another important concern. Around the world, many large-scale public housing projects have produced disappointing results. Without proper management, maintenance, social services, and community development, some have eventually suffered from deterioration, vacancy, crime, or social segregation. High-rise housing is not inherently a mistake, but international experience shows that successful projects require much more than impressive architectural drawings.

What technical, financial, environmental, and social feasibility studies have been conducted? How strong is the actual demand for this type of housing? What will the monthly costs be for future residents? Who bears the financial risks if construction costs increase or buyers default? And who will ultimately be responsible for maintaining these buildings over the coming decades?

Perhaps this project is not a castle in the air. Perhaps it can become an important contribution to solving Curaçao's housing shortage.

But if that is the ambition, then the public deserves more than attractive renderings of eight towers.

A serious housing project begins with a clear vision, a credible business case, transparent information, meaningful public participation, and demonstrated capacity to deliver.

Until then, the towers of Tera Kòrá remain, at least for many citizens, castles in the air.

Miguel Goede