WILLEMSTAD - The team at Aqualectra responsible for monitoring irregular water and electricity usage has once again made significant strides in identifying numerous homes and businesses engaged in illegal consumption of water and electricity during their inspections. Between January 17th and March 18th, they inspected more than 879 businesses and residences. The team disconnected services to 14 businesses and 156 residences. The highest fines issued amounted to 15,000 guilders at several businesses in Punda (1), Otrobanda (1), Groteberg (1), Rooseveltweg (2), Saliña (2), Schottegatweg (1), Mahaai (2), and Winston Churchillweg (2). The neighborhoods with the most instances of illegal water and/or electricity usage identified during inspections were Brakkeput (12), Montaña Abou (10), Piscadera (9), Saliña (9), Mahuma (7), and Souax (5). The Aqualectra team's inspections continue, and wherever irregular water and/or electricity usage is found, action will be taken.
Individuals engaging in illegal water and electricity usage, whether through manipulating installations or tampering with parts of the water and/or electricity network, incur significant additional costs for compliant customers who faithfully pay their water and electricity bills. These compliant customers bear the expenses of water and electricity usage that cannot be attributed to any individual due to illegal usage by third parties.
Furthermore, when someone manipulates the distribution network, they can cause dangerous situations and disruptions for the area where they tamper, such as cutting cables or water pipes. Aqualectra is actively combating this phenomenon in the best interest of our entire community.
It's important to emphasize that the person responsible for their meter is the owner of the business or homeowner.
For this reason, it's crucial to report to Aqualectra if you notice anything irregular with your meter or a change in your usual water and electricity usage. This way, you can avoid potential consequences.
The control team continues its work to detect and stop irregularities in our water and electricity distribution network. The team consists of Aqualectra, the Curaçao Police Force, and the Public Prosecutor's Office.
When illegal situations are detected at homes, businesses, or other locations, the residents or business owners can face fines of up to 20,000 guilders, expenses for correcting the installations, and possible prosecution. These individuals must also bear the costs of unregistered electricity and/or water usage for the period when the irregularity occurred and any previous debts.
