WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament for the PAR party Ana-Maria Pauletta has written a letter to Minister of Urban Planning Charles Cooper, expressing deep concern over the ongoing sewage crisis affecting multiple neighborhoods across Curaçao. The letter highlights the severe public health risks and daily discomfort faced by residents due to overflowing sewage water in the streets.
Sewage Water Flooding Streets
In her letter, MP Pauletta detailed the distressing situation in various neighborhoods, where sewage water has been flowing through streets and in front of homes. Residents have reported foul odors, forcing them to keep windows and doors closed to avoid the stench. Additionally, stagnant sewage water has attracted large numbers of mosquitoes, further exacerbating the problem.
Pauletta emphasized the public health risks associated with sewage water, which contains harmful bacteria. She noted an increase in stomach-related illnesses in affected areas, suggesting a possible link to contamination from the sewage.
Delays in Maintenance and Contractor Payments
The MP revealed that the Department of Public Works (UOOW) is struggling to address the issue due to delays in payments to contractors responsible for cleaning and maintaining the sewage system. Rumors of a "cold war" with contractors and preferential treatment for certain companies have further complicated the situation. These delays have left the department understaffed and under-resourced, unable to perform necessary maintenance work.
Questions for Minister Cooper
In her letter, Pauletta posed several critical questions to Minister Cooper, including:
Is the Minister aware of the serious problem of overflowing sewage water in various parts of Curaçao?
Is it true that only one truck is available for sewage maintenance, causing significant delays? If so, what concrete steps has the Minister taken to resolve the issue?
How many contractors are responsible for cleaning the sewage system, and is it true that they are not being paid on time? What is the current outstanding amount owed to these contractors?
Calls for Immediate Action
Pauletta’s letter underscores the urgency of addressing the sewage crisis, which poses a significant threat to public health and the quality of life for residents. She called on Minister Cooper to provide transparency and take immediate action to resolve the issue, including ensuring timely payments to contractors and allocating necessary resources for maintenance.
Public Outcry Grows
The sewage crisis has sparked widespread frustration among residents, who are demanding swift action from the government. Many have expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of prolonged exposure to contaminated water and the lack of effective solutions from authorities.