WILLEMSTAD - The association "Hende i Medio Ambiente" (HiMA) is appealing against the ruling by Judge Kimberley Lasten regarding a general prohibition on water shut-offs. This demand was not supported by the Court of First Instance of Curaçao.
The association disagrees with the court's considerations to continue allowing water shut-offs for vulnerable families unable to pay their bills. According to HiMA, both legislation, policies, and practices are in violation of fundamental children's and human rights.
"The fact that Aqualectra, together with SOAW, has found an interim solution by 'first reporting which household or family is facing problems' does not change this," stated HiMA.
Judge Lasten ruled that the government is making sufficient efforts to ensure access to clean water. The arrangements are in line with WHO standards for people's basic need for water.
A general ban on water shut-offs would be too significant an infringement on Aqualectra's operations, according to Lasten. Additionally, the issue of water shut-offs is too complex and is linked to other problems such as illegal construction and water theft.