WILLEMSTAD - The recent establishment of an enforcement team by Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas to address the increasing environmental pollution raises questions about the underlying legislation. While the initiative seems promising, there is uncertainty about the legal basis for enforcing rules against illegal waste dumping.
Notably, during Curaçao's transition from island territory to Land Curaçao, the waste ordinance was not included. This omission results in the absence of specific waste legislation on the island.
The current Public Order Ordinance contains some articles about littering on public roads, but they are insufficient to effectively address broader environmental pollution on the island.
Selikor, the state-owned waste management company, operates not under waste legislation but based on an agreement with the government. This situation often leads to dissatisfaction and debate.
Key Role
A waste ordinance is a crucial instrument and plays a key role in protecting the environment and public health.
By establishing strict rules for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste, the ordinance ensures that waste is treated in an environmentally friendly manner.
It also provides clear guidelines and rules for both businesses and citizens on how to handle their waste, ensuring a uniform approach to waste management.