WILLEMSTAD - Ombudsman Keursly Concincion is seeking answers from the Minister of Economic Development (MEO) regarding the implications of a recent Dutch court ruling that affirms the right of all children to access drinking water.
In July, Concincion sent a letter to former MEO Minister Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP), requesting clarification on the matter. On October 25, he followed up with a letter to current Deputy MEO Minister Charles Cooper (MFK), which has now also been forwarded to parliament.
Concincion stated, “In my letter dated July 11, 2024, I highlighted an important court ruling regarding the right of minors to clean drinking water. In that letter, I requested that you indicate what you, as minister, believe the impact of this ruling should be for the Curaçao community, particularly for the youth of Curaçao. As I have not yet received a response, I am sending you this reminder. I look forward to your reply.”
Recently, the government announced efforts to address the debt issues at Aqualectra, which has left many households without water and electricity. It has been promised that the connection for 1,345 households with outstanding debts will be restored before Christmas. The arrangement stipulates that the government will cover half of the debt, Aqualectra will waive a quarter, and the customer will be responsible for the remaining quarter under a personalized payment plan. For minimum wage earners, the government will also cover this last portion.
Earlier this year in the Netherlands, a definitive appellate ruling established that households with children cannot be disconnected from drinking water, a ruling based on the European Convention on Human Rights, which is also applicable to Curaçao. In July, the ombudsman stated that this ruling, considering the Statute for the Kingdom, is of great importance for all minors within the Kingdom.