WILLEMSTAD – The ruling Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) is raising concerns about what it describes as the growing deterioration of cleanliness and public maintenance across Curaçao.
Member of Parliament Gilbert Doran has submitted written questions to Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt regarding what he says is the visible decline in structural cleaning activities throughout the island.
According to Doran, neighborhoods, roadsides, mondi areas and other public spaces are becoming increasingly dirty and neglected.
The parliamentarian argues that the issue affects not only Curaçao’s appearance, but also public health, quality of life and the island’s tourism image.
In his questions, Doran states that garbage accumulation and overdue maintenance have become more visible in several districts and public areas across the island.
He also claims that funding previously allocated for cleaning and maintenance activities has gradually been reduced, resulting in fewer regular cleanup operations in neighborhoods and public spaces.
Doran is asking Minister Boekhoudt whether the government recognizes that the current state of public maintenance has become a cause for concern.
He is also requesting information on how much funding was previously available for cleaning operations compared to current budgets, and why certain subsidies or maintenance funds may have been reduced or eliminated.
Additionally, the MFK parliamentarian wants to know how often cleanup activities are currently being carried out and which agencies or entities are responsible for them.
The questions also focus on future policy plans.
Doran is asking what concrete measures the ministry intends to take to restart structural cleaning and maintenance programs and whether the government is willing to work more closely with neighborhood organizations, schools and community groups to organize awareness campaigns and cleanup initiatives.
According to Doran, public cleanliness should not depend solely on temporary actions or volunteer initiatives, but instead require a sustainable and long-term government policy approach.