WILLEMSTAD - Part of the Curaçao population has little or no access to clean water. These are people who live in illegal homes or have high debts. This is reported by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW). The ministry launched an online registration link on Tuesday to gain insight into the water problem.
Minister Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia announced during a press conference that she wanted to implement a better water policy. The minister says that there are various population groups that have poor access to clean drinking water. For example, there are people who live in illegally built houses without a water connection and people with a high debt. They cannot afford water. In addition, there is also a group that is eligible for a subsidy, but does not know and does not apply.
The magnitude of the problem is currently unclear. With the new policy, the minister wants to know where people do not have access to water and how many people and families are involved. “It cannot be the case that we overlook illegal housing, but close our eyes when it comes to connecting water,” says Larmonie-Cecilia.
According to the minister, there is also a lack of conscious water and energy use, which means that people end up with high debts. During the press conference, the minister indicated that she might want to install Aqualectra's Pagatinus system.
People who do not have access to the online registration link can also fill in the form at the SOAW support centers in the neighborhood or soon perhaps at other community centers.