Meeting with Bazalt Wonen to Discuss Housing and Student Accommodation Challenges
Commissioner Eviton Heyliger and Executive Assistant Jayaira Windfield de Groot met with Bazalt Wonen in Zaltbommel to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities within the housing sector, with special attention to the situation on Saba and the housing needs of Saban students living in the Netherlands. During the meeting, Commissioner Heyliger outlined the significant challenges surrounding housing development on Saba. Key issues discussed included the high cost of construction driven by material expenses, and essential infrastructure requirements such as cistern systems as well as the limited availability of flat land and the rising cost of buildable plots.
The discussion further addressed the increasing shortage of student housing for young people from Saba and Statia who relocate for their studies. Many students rely on temporary housing provided by agencies such as TuranGoeloe during their first year. Securing long-term accommodation afterward remains difficult due to the competitive rental market, the need to arrange housing months in advance, and financial barriers such as high deposits and guarantor requirements. Several potential solutions are currently being explored, including the establishment of a structured guarantor system. OLS is examining ways to support students in this area; however, additional legal and financial frameworks are still required before such a system can be implemented.
Other Key Highlights
- Play and youth spaces
With VWS and Jantje Beton, the parties confirmed the Playground Agreement framework, including the Cove Bay renovation supported by the Nationale Postcode Loterij and preparation for a third location (to be finalized with local input). - Affordable homes & spatial planning (VRO)
The interest‑free loan and special purpose grant application for 7 affordable owner‑occupied homes in The Bottom progressed and the Action Agenda for Housing has been signed. Follow‑up needs to take place on loan conditions and selection procedures will be arranged with VRO and partners. - Cultural heritage (RCE/OCW)
RCE will convene expert meetings on protected townscapes and explore World Heritage options. A BES pilot restoration subsidy scheme is being prepared for 2026 to support maintenance and restoration by owners. - Focus on healthy and affordable alternatives (BZK)
- Structural support for our social work program, more alignment on substance abuse initiatives, exploring options for alternative trade routes or other initiatives that would contribute to an overall improvement of health (VWS/SZW)
- The implementation of Child Friendly Cities Initiatives together with UNICEF
- Enhancing the experiences of students studying abroad together with Turangoeloe and the Ministry of OCW
- Looking into options to minimize the hurdles in housing together with Bazalt Wonen
- Learning how to reach and activate our youth together with Stagebureau Schilderswijk, an organization that focuses on youth development. Topics discussed included bullying and supporting the mental health of young people.
- Learning and engaging with our students and also sharing the potential of returning back to Saba in the future and tapping in to new opportunities.
- Creating more collaboration on topics within the social domain from the expertise of the VNG, and work on a lobby agenda that tackles all important issues for Saba, in the forming of a new national government.
“This visit was about moving projects from plan to practice," said Commissioner Heyliger. "We thank our partners at VWS, OCW, VRO, BZK, UNICEF, RCE and others. Saba’s priorities are clear: affordable healthy lifestyles, safe spaces for our residents, attainable housing, opportunities for our students, and protection of our unique heritage.”
What happens next?
Numerous initiatives have been put in motion and need adequate follow-up. During the upcoming moments, focus will be placed on the implementation of these initiatives, together with our community.
