WILLEMSTAD – Emergency incidents requiring the Fire Department in western Curaçao have increased significantly over the past decade, prompting the government to invest in upgrading the Barber Fire and Ambulance Station.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato said annual emergency responses in the Banda Abou region have risen from approximately 60 to 90 incidents in 2016 to between 100 and 140 incidents today.
According to the minister, the increase demonstrates the importance of maintaining a fully equipped fire station in Barber to protect communities across western Curaçao.
"The community of Banda Abou deserves a fire station that guarantees its safety," Hato said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the station's renovation.
A recent coverage assessment commissioned by the government concluded that the Barber station remains strategically located to serve the region. However, Hato noted that another evaluation should be carried out within four years to determine whether future population growth, development, and emerging risks require adjustments to station locations or emergency response capacity.
The Barber station serves a wide geographic area stretching from Malpais to Westpunt and has operated with 24-hour staffing since February 2016.
In addition to the Barber project, Hato announced that the government is preparing to construct a new central fire station for the eastern part of the island in the Montaña Abou area.
The minister said the investments form part of broader efforts by the Pisas II and Pisas III administrations to modernize the Curaçao Fire Department through new fire engines, water tankers, rescue vehicles, modern equipment, and expanded local and international training programs for firefighters.