WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party PAR is demanding immediate government intervention to address rat infestations in several neighborhoods across Curaçao, warning that the growing problem poses serious risks to public health, hygiene, and residents' quality of life.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, PAR Member of Parliament Shaheen Elhage announced that he had submitted 28 parliamentary questions to Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt, seeking clarification about the extent of the problem, measures taken by the government, and the responsibilities of the agencies involved.
According to Elhage, rat infestations have become a serious concern in several communities, requiring more than temporary interventions or public awareness campaigns.
The parliamentarian is calling for a coordinated and structural approach that addresses both the presence of rodents and the underlying conditions contributing to their spread.
Serious Incident in Jongbloed Raises Alarm
One of the incidents highlighted by PAR involves a vulnerable individual who was injured inside a home experiencing a severe rat infestation in the Jongbloed neighborhood.
Elhage described the situation as alarming and said it demonstrates the urgency of government intervention.
The party also reported signs of rat activity in several other areas, including Ontarioweg, Punda, Janwé, and additional neighborhoods across Curaçao.
PAR believes these reports indicate that the problem requires broader attention from public health authorities rather than isolated responses to individual complaints.
"We cannot wait until a situation becomes serious before the government takes action. Protecting public health must begin with prevention, control, and timely intervention," Elhage stated.
The parliamentarian emphasized that rat infestations should not be dismissed as merely a nuisance, given the potential health risks associated with rodents.
Rats can transmit diseases and contaminate food, water, and living environments, making effective prevention and control important public health responsibilities.
Questions Raised About Selikor and Waste Management
A central issue in Elhage's parliamentary questions concerns the possible relationship between rat infestations and problems involving waste management.
PAR wants the government to investigate whether accumulated garbage, illegal dumping, and deficiencies in waste collection are contributing to an increase in the rat population.
The party is specifically requesting an assessment of the role played by waste management company Selikor in maintaining cleanliness and preventing conditions that encourage rodent infestations.
Elhage wants Minister Boekhoudt to explain how Selikor's performance is evaluated and what mechanisms the government uses to ensure that the company fulfills its relevant responsibilities.
The questions also seek clarification about the effectiveness of existing waste collection and sanitation measures.
PAR has not established that Selikor is responsible for the reported infestations but believes its role and performance should be examined as part of a comprehensive government response.
PAR Demands Information on Health Risks and Government Spending
Beyond the immediate sanitation concerns, PAR is requesting detailed information about the public health implications of the reported infestations.
Elhage wants the minister to provide data on the risks posed to residents, inspections conducted by government agencies, complaints received from the public, and interventions carried out to control rodent populations.
The party is also seeking information about government expenditures related to pest control and sanitation, including whether previous interventions have produced measurable results.
According to PAR, this information is necessary to determine whether existing policies are adequate and whether additional resources should be allocated to affected communities.
The party believes that government accountability is essential, particularly when public health risks are involved.
Deadline Proposed for Comprehensive Rat Control Plan
PAR is demanding three principal measures from the government: immediate intervention in the most severely affected neighborhoods, a comprehensive action plan with clearly defined responsibilities and a concrete budget, and accountability for the results achieved.
If the government does not already have a comprehensive rat control strategy, Elhage is requesting that Minister Boekhoudt present one to the Curaçao Parliament before December 31, 2026.
The proposed plan should include specific objectives, implementation deadlines, and measurable indicators to assess whether government interventions are successful.
Such a strategy, according to PAR, should address not only the elimination of existing infestations but also the prevention of future outbreaks through improved sanitation, waste management, inspections, and coordinated enforcement.
The party maintains that a structural approach is necessary to prevent the problem from recurring in the same neighborhoods.
Elhage: Public Awareness Campaigns Are Not Enough
Elhage concluded his statement by emphasizing that informing residents about sanitation and pest prevention is important but insufficient without concrete government action.
"Information campaigns alone are not enough. Our people have the right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment. Prevention cannot remain just words; it must be demonstrated through action and results," the parliamentarian stated.
PAR is urging the government to treat the situation as a public health priority and provide residents with clear information about the measures being taken.
The party also wants transparency regarding the responsibilities of the institutions involved and the effectiveness of public spending on rodent control.
The 28 parliamentary questions place additional pressure on Minister Boekhoudt to explain how the government intends to address the reported infestations and whether a coordinated national strategy is already in place.
For PAR, the central issue is ensuring that residents can live in safe and hygienic conditions without having to wait for serious incidents before authorities intervene.