WILLEMSTAD – The Santa Catharina neighborhood continues to suffer from foul odors and swarms of mosquitoes, especially in areas surrounding Dam Pretu. According to Giselle Rosalia of the neighborhood association Unidat di Habitantenan di Bándariba, the nuisance is being caused by ongoing dumping of chicken manure from the Moderno egg factory near Dam Pretu. 

Rosalia indicated that she has been informed a machine capable of processing the manure into compost is expected to arrive on Curaçao by the end of August. To make this possible, a storage facility must first be constructed on the grounds of the factory in Rancho. Once operational, the nuisance is expected to subside. 

However, the neighborhood association says residents cannot and should not have to wait that long. 

"Unacceptable Delay," Say Residents 

Community members are voicing frustration over the lack of immediate alternatives. They find it unacceptable that a nine-month wait has passed without a sustainable solution to the stench and mosquito plague caused by the manure. In the meantime, the dumping continues unchecked. 

Some neighborhoods surrounding Dam Pretu are reporting more severe issues than others, with frequent complaints about unbearable odors and overwhelming numbers of mosquitoes. 

The neighborhood association is urging authorities to take interim measures immediately to relieve the burden on local residents and ensure their health and quality of life are not further compromised.