News item | 21-01-2025 | 15:45
By 2024, more than 80 social housing units will be added on Bonaire and Saba and 20 will be renovated on St. Eustatius. Rental costs also fell for tenants in the social sector on all islands. This is evident from the 2nd Progress Report of the Policy Agenda for Housing and Spatial Planning for the Caribbean Netherlands, which Minister Mona Keijzer sent to the House of Representatives today.
Through good cooperation between the ministry, the islands and other parties, important steps have been taken to make affordable housing and a sustainable living environment possible for more people on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
Enlarge image
Bonaire: affordable housing and sustainable construction
In 2024, Bonaire was working hard on the implementation of the Bonaire Housing Deal, which will run until 2030 and will deliver 1,700 homes. In 2024, €2 million has been made available for the construction of 200 homes at the Dawari and Rincon Pariba construction sites. Two-thirds of the new homes fall into the affordable category, half of which are social housing. Construction is nature-inclusive: at the Dawari location, nature is preserved during construction preparations.
The tenants of 68 new social rental homes received their keys at the Hato construction site. This is an important step in the development of a new neighborhood, which will ultimately include 204 homes. In addition, €2.75 million has been made available from the Public Housing Fund to improve approximately 60 private homes in Rincon, Norti’i Saliña and Antriol. Bottlenecks in the public space are also tackled.
Targeted financial assistance has been made available to support tenants in bearing their housing costs. Approximately 450 households used the landlord subsidy (VHS) and 372 households used the Private Rental Contribution (BPV) pilot. These arrangements ease rental costs by an average of $381 and $476 per month per household, respectively. €500,000 has also been invested in solar panels on social housing with battery storage to combat energy poverty.
St. Eustatius: more future-proof homes
Important steps have been taken on St. Eustatius to improve housing quality and keep housing costs affordable. 20 social rental homes have been renovated and €1 million has been made available for the renovation of another 20 homes. Solar panels have also been installed on 13 homes to reduce energy costs.
The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment has made € 1.25 million available to strengthen the residential function in the historic city center, with special attention to suitable housing for seniors. In addition, preparations have started for the construction of 36 social rental homes in Concordia, the work of which will start in 2025. In the Letter of Intent Social Housing St. Eustatius, it has been agreed that a total of 50 social rental homes will be built on St. Eustatius until 2030.
Tenants in the social housing sector have received an average of $376 per month per household in tax relief. Due to the adjustment of the landlord subsidy and rental price regulation, rental costs are linked to the statutory minimum wage. This ensures more affordable rents. A Rental Committee was also established in 2024 and communication about services has started.
Saba: progress in social housing
In the Letter of Intent for affordable living on Saba, it has been agreed to realize approximately 50 affordable rental and owner-occupied homes up to and including 2030. These construction locations have now been designated. In addition, the previously started new construction project ‘Under the Hill 2’ has been completed, which resulted in 18 new social rental homes. Thanks to cooperation between the ministry, Public Entity Saba, Bazalt Wonen and the EU, a total of 38 homes have been built within this project.
The housing stock in The Bottom will be expanded with €1 million from the Housing Fund. This money is also used to improve public spaces, with more greenery and sidewalks. In addition, there will be a local fund to make homes more resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes.
The average rent relief for tenants in the social housing sector was $173 per month. By providing energy-efficient appliances, energy poverty is tackled and housing costs for households decrease.
Collaboration for the future
The Spatial Development Program for the Caribbean Netherlands, which was approved in 2024, helps to make the islands more sustainable and safer. The program provides guidelines for economic growth, a healthy environment and the protection of culture and nature.
Improving living standards and combating poverty on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba remain important goals for the central government and local authorities. Affordable housing is a condition for a good existence. That is why the government and the islands will work together on a new agenda for 2026-2030. The aim is to build even more affordable homes and reduce housing costs for people with the lowest incomes.
See also:
https://www.volkshuisvestingnederland.nl/onderwerpen/beleidsagenda-caribisch-nederland
https://www.volkshuisvestingnederland.nl/onderwerpen/volkshuisvestingsfonds