WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Ishahier Monte (MFK) is urging the government to examine whether a socially and financially sustainable payment model can be introduced for households with large outstanding debts to utility company Aqualectra.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, Monte proposes allowing families with unpaid water and electricity bills to regain access to these essential services through a system that combines prepaid usage with a structured repayment plan for existing debt.
According to the parliamentarian, the number of households struggling to pay their monthly water and electricity bills is growing on Curaçao. As a result, debts accumulate and some families risk being disconnected from basic services.
Monte emphasized that water and electricity should not be viewed as luxury goods but as essential services that are directly linked to public health, human dignity and social stability.
To address the issue, he proposes installing prepaid meters in households with significant arrears. Under such a system, consumers would pay in advance for future consumption, preventing the creation of new debts.
At the same time, Monte suggests introducing a realistic payment plan that would allow families to gradually repay their existing debt through small monthly installments tailored to the household’s financial capacity.
For cases where consumers are structurally unable to repay their debts, the parliamentarian also proposes considering a debt relief program. After a careful assessment of a household’s financial situation, part of the debt—or in some cases the entire amount—could be forgiven.
Even in those situations, Monte suggests making prepaid meters mandatory to prevent new arrears.
He has asked the government to discuss the feasibility of the proposal with Aqualectra and to explore the possibility of launching a pilot program.
According to Monte, such an approach could help families regain access to essential utilities while also assisting Aqualectra in reducing uncollectible debts.