WILLEMSTAD – It is impossible to forget how, for years, Banda Abou and Banda Ariba have been fighting for a police, fire, and ambulance station in their areas. To this day, these services are still not properly arranged. Omar Gill asks: “Why should the residents of Banda Abou have to travel all the way to the city to access government services?”
For example, to access Tax Department services, people must go all the way to Emmastad. For services from ROP or Urban Planning, they have to go to Punda, while for Kadaster, they must travel to Seru Ararat. Even to reserve a plowing machine, one has to go to LVV in Toni Kunchi.
After speaking with various residents of Banda Ariba and Banda Abou, Omar Gill believes that both areas deserve a multifunctional government office. Such an office could offer various essential services, including LVV, ROP, SOAW, Urban Planning, Tax Department, Kadaster, Social Insurance Bank (SVB), and even Selikor. With today’s digital connections, it is easy to link this office to the main government offices, ensuring that Banda Abou and Banda Ariba receive the same services as the city.
Gill also believes that mobile technology, such as apps, could be used to facilitate services. However, he acknowledges that not everyone in the community is fully familiar with digital solutions.
CBS statistics show that almost 40% of the population is over 55 years old. A government office in Banda Abou and Banda Ariba would greatly benefit senior citizens, preventing them from having to climb steep and narrow stairs in city offices. Additionally, it would reduce daily traffic to Otrobanda and Punda, save people money on fuel costs, and free up time for other activities.
As a worker and entrepreneur, Omar Gill is convinced that establishing a multifunctional office in these areas would stimulate business growth and create job opportunities.
He criticizes the fact that projects like beach renovations or attempts to turn local beaches into a replica of St. Tropez were prioritized over essential services, calling it a waste of public funds.
In his view, Banda Abou and Banda Ariba have the right to accessible and sustainable government services for a better Curaçao. That is why these communities deserve a multifunctional government office.