WILLEMSTAD – Residents in the Schelpwijk neighborhood have been dealing with ongoing sewage water and odor problems for years, according to a report by the Ombudsman of Curaçao.
The situation came to light after a resident filed a complaint stating that wastewater regularly accumulates in the street due to problems with the drainage system. The stagnant water reportedly causes strong odors and recurring inconvenience for people living in the area.
According to the complainant, the issue has persisted for several years and has been reported repeatedly to the Public Works Implementation Organization (UO OW). Despite multiple complaints, the resident says he received no clear explanation from the government about what actions were being taken to resolve the problem.
The Ombudsman’s investigation found that the government had previously carried out works in the area in 2024 after earlier complaints were raised. At the time, the measures appeared to temporarily improve the situation.
However, the problems resurfaced in early 2025, prompting the resident to once again raise concerns with Public Works. The lack of follow-up communication from the authorities eventually led him to file a formal request with the Ombudsman.
During the investigation, the resident presented photographs and video recordings showing wastewater accumulation and the condition of the drainage system in the street.
Although Public Works later conducted additional works in the neighborhood in December 2025, the Ombudsman concluded that it remains unclear whether the measures provide a lasting solution to the drainage problems.
The report notes that residents in the area may continue to experience nuisance if the underlying structural issues with the drainage system are not properly addressed.
The Ombudsman stressed that government agencies must approach such infrastructure problems in a structured and transparent manner. Residents should be informed about the causes of the issue, the steps being taken to resolve it, and whether the measures implemented will provide a durable solution.
Without that clarity, the Ombudsman warns, public confidence in the handling of infrastructure complaints can be undermined.