WILLEMSTAD - The demand for irrigation water has significantly increased in recent years. To meet this demand, two additional water trucks were added a few years ago. However, this also increases the risk of damage to the water trucks, which can lead to delayed water supply to horticulturists and farmers. This information was provided by the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN).
The original initiative from 2013, according to GMN, was initiated by the former minister and aimed to distribute irrigation water to people who grow fruits and vegetables for personal use as a hobby. This water came from sources on the AVB (formerly LVV) property in Klein Kwartier. Under this initiative, hobby gardeners can still receive 2 cubic meters of water monthly. Over time, the demand for water increased so much that AVB began selling water not only to small farmers but also to large agricultural companies.
"The increase in the demand for water led to the acquisition of two additional water trucks. One truck has a capacity of four cubic meters, and the other has ten cubic meters. These water trucks now run five to six times a day to meet the growing demand.
The pressure on these water trucks to meet the enormous demand has increased the risk of vehicle breakdowns. Since these trucks are not common on Curaçao, spare parts are not readily available. This means that each time a water truck is damaged, it remains out of service for an extended period. The ministry asks for understanding regarding the delay in water supply."