Paths to a Sustainable Future

Latour is one of the twelve municipal districts of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Located in the southern part of the city, Latour was developed on the former agricultural lands of the old Beekhuizen plantation. Covering an area of six square kilometres, the district was created to address the growing demand for housing in the capital.

Latour is known as a refuge for economically disadvantaged residents due to its relatively affordable housing options. However, the district’s rising population has put increasing pressure on housing availability, and Latour has become one of the most densely built areas in Paramaribo, with limited access to qualitative open spaces.

The neighbourhood's low income levels and high unemployment rates place significant strain on its public spaces. Most residents heavily rely on these spaces for daily activities such as street vending, car repairs, and social gatherings. For instance, the intersection of Latourweg and Wanicaweg is a popular evening meeting point for local youth.

The main road, Latourweg, serves as one of the district’s busiest and most vital public spaces. Despite its importance, the road has seen little improvement over the past sixty years. Sidewalks are either non-existent or poorly maintained, and the street functions as a heavily trafficked corridor. Increasing car dominance has led to severe traffic congestion during peak hours, further exacerbated by the growth of businesses south of Paramaribo that funnel additional traffic through Latourweg. Noise pollution caused by this heavy traffic is also a notable concern.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with engineering firm Ilaco, has initiated a revitalisation project for the Saramacca Canal, which borders Latour and separates the city centre from southern neighbourhoods. With several ongoing and planned projects, Latour is undeniably a "Territory in Transition."

The district also holds significant potential for urban development. Promising opportunities, or "seeds of hope," have been identified in recent academic work. For instance, Lars Vermeulen’s thesis, "Corporation-led Urban Development in Latour," highlights the role of private companies in improving neighbourhood livability through sustainable infrastructure projects. Jhelisa Wielkens’ thesis, "A Place for Girls to be Heard," discusses community-maintained “boro pasi” (slow, car-free paths) that provide pedestrians and cyclists with safer, quieter routes while fostering more livable streets. These examples illustrate an important shift in Latour’s urban development approach, with private actors and local communities playing active roles in shaping the district’s future.

This year, a new team will build on the revitalisation efforts in Latour, aiming for deeper insights into the district's inspiring urban and housing practices. A bottom-up, participatory approach will be vital in this process, ensuring a significant impact on Latour’s urban transformation.