WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Juniël Carolina says alleged illegal wastewater dumping in Curaçao may not only be a matter of enforcement, but also a sign of weaknesses in the island’s wastewater management system.
In written questions to Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper, Carolina points to concerns that limited access to official wastewater disposal facilities may be contributing to unauthorized dumping.
According to information received from some vacuum truck operators, one possible reason for illegal disposal is that official treatment facilities are not always accessible. Problems reportedly occur when wastewater treatment installations are temporarily out of service for maintenance, outside regular operating hours or during weekends.
Carolina said that if this information is correct, the problem goes beyond individual violations and may indicate shortcomings in the organization and capacity of the wastewater collection and treatment system.
The parliamentarian is asking the minister why official wastewater treatment facilities are not available during evenings and weekends and whether the government is considering extending operating hours to reduce the risk of illegal dumping.
He also wants to know what temporary measures are taken when treatment facilities are unavailable to ensure that wastewater can still be properly delivered and processed.
A broader concern raised by Carolina is the lack of a comprehensive national plan for wastewater management, treatment and sustainable recycling.
He asked the minister when residents can expect such a plan and what concrete steps the government is taking to implement it.
Carolina also questioned whether the government has plans to safely treat and recycle wastewater for agricultural use or other purposes, while ensuring that such reuse does not create risks for public health, the environment or food safety.
The parliamentarian requested information about which government agencies are legally responsible for monitoring and controlling illegal wastewater disposal and how coordination between those agencies is ensured.
He also called for an integrated approach involving all relevant ministries and institutions to address wastewater challenges, including prevention, monitoring, enforcement, infrastructure improvements and sustainable wastewater treatment.
“An integral and sustainable approach is necessary to guarantee a clean, safe and healthy environment for Curaçao,” Carolina stated.