After eight months of work, the restoration project for the fishing pier at Playa Pabou has been completed and handed over to the Public Entity of Bonaire. This week, the final wooden planks were installed on the pier. This marks the completion of a project aimed at improving safety, sustainability, and amenities for fishermen and other users of the sea.
The project began at the start of this year, with the original plan being to complete the work within six months. Due to various additional tasks that proved necessary during the project and the lead time for specialized materials, the project took two months longer than originally planned. This brought the total project duration to eight months.
During the work, the wooden deck was removed and the existing steel structure was dismantled. The piles were prepared and reinforced, after which a new steel frame was installed and a new wooden deck was laid. This deck consists, among other things, of removable wooden planks that can be taken down in case of inclement weather.
Dennis Martinus, Executive member of Directorate Spatial Planning and Development, expressed his satisfaction that the Public Entity of Bonaire has once again been able to complete a project that specifically benefits Bonaire’s fishermen. According to Deputy Martinus, fishermen play a very important role in our community, particularly through their contribution to the local food supply. “The Executive Council supports the work that fishermen do. That is why we invest time and attention to ensure they have the necessary facilities to continue their work,” said Executive member Dennis Martinus.
With this project, the Public Entity of Bonaire demonstrates its support for the fishing sector and recognizes the daily contribution fishermen make to our community.
The chairman of Piskabon, Mr. Ernest de Lanooy, also expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project. According to him, the renovated pier will lighten and facilitate the fishermen’s daily work. The fishermen head out to sea every day to earn their daily livelihood. That is why it is of great importance to them that there is a good, safe, and suitable pier where they can dock their boats and carry out their work. De Lanooy emphasized that the most important thing is that the pier is operational and that boats can moor there.
According to Mr. Ligwino (Gino) Leito, interim director of Spatial Planning and Development, the completion of the fishing pier is an important milestone for the Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development. The project is the result of a process of collaboration, coordination, and dedication to improving the infrastructure and facilities for Bonaire’s fishermen.
In addition to the construction work that has been completed, the next step is to coordinate the electricity and water utilities. This will be carried out in consultation with Piskabon. A management plan for the use of the pier is also being drafted. This plan is intended to provide clarity regarding the organization and use of the infrastructure, with special attention to the needs of fishermen and other users of the sea. The goal is to make the pier as practical, well-organized, and suitable as possible for all users.
The maintenance and restoration of the fishing pier at Playa Pabou are the result of a collaboration between the Public Entity of Bonaire, Rijkswaterstaat, Piskabon, Streefkerk, STINAPA, and the Harbor Master. With the completion and handover of the project to the Public Entity of Bonaire, the partners involved have contributed to an infrastructure intended to serve fishermen, other users of the sea, and the community of Bonaire for many years to come.
