Kralendijk, 31 january 2022
Bonaire Properties, owner of the area, wants to develop a small part of it with the purpose of providing housing, agriculture and horticulture, and eco-tourism. In the remaining 90% of the area, nature will be recovered where necessary and placed under professional management. The plan fits within the policies of the Public Body. The Executive Council wishes to enhance the prosperity and well-being of the local population, while preserving nature and culture, by creating jobs, affordable housing, and increased local production of fruit and vegetables.
The past year, employees of the Public Body and Bonaire Properties have intensively worked together to clarify, among other things, which laws and regulations have to be complied with. This led to a urban and landscape vision, that will be further panned out over the next months by a common steering group. It is to be expected that in the coming weeks a presentation of the provisory development plan will be given to the Island Council. After this, information will be distributed to a larger public.
After the development plan has taken its definitive form, with input from the Island Council, formal decision making regarding the zoning plan will be prepared.
Island Governor Edison Rijna: “Through the documents and conversations it has become clear for us that the project is not only handled very professionally, but that the interest of Bonaire is treated with the utmost respect as well. The latter determines our verdict.”
Director of Bonaire Properties Mieke Breemhaar: “Bolivia has been neglected for several decades. Precious nature is about to vanish by the grazing of goats and the erosion of soil. By developing a small part of the area, this beautiful piece of Bonaire can be saved and we can simultaneously contribute to solving some of the urgent issues such as the shortage of affordable housing, the lack of diversity in tourism, education, and we can contribute to decreasing dependence on import of agricultural products. We trust that, together with the Public Body of Bonaire, we will develop a balanced plan.”
Deputy James Kroon: “I applaud this initiative, because a responsible development of Bolivia creates space to dissolve the existing pressure on Kralendijk, to strengthen the position of Rincon, and to preserve important nature. The process is being designed carefully, so we, as well as future generations, can enjoy this valuable part of Bonaire.”
Deputy Hennyson Thielman: “The plan balances nature preservation and building new dwellings, which will provide the housing supply that is demanded on the island.” Deputy Nina den Heyer: “It is important that, next to the preservation of nature and economic development, attention is given to the shortage of affordable rental housing and houses for sale. Fortunately, this has been integrated in the plan. Furthermore, the promise has been made that the local labor force will have priority to carry out the construction.”
Island Governor Edison Rijna and director Mieke Breemhaar of Bonaire Properties sign the letter of intent, in the presence of Deputy James Kroon.
