WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party MAN-PIN is also demanding a parliamentary question hour following the explosion and chemical fire in Roi Santu, saying the incident has raised serious concerns about public health, safety, and environmental damage across a large part of Curaçao.
Member of Parliament Giselle Mc William submitted questions to Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt after residents reported thick smoke, strong chemical odors, and various health complaints following the incident. Earlier, MFK parliamentarian Juniel Carolina had already raised questions in Parliament about the explosion.
According to MAN-PIN, residents of Roi Santu reported respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes and throat, headaches, and nausea after the fire. The party also stated that panic broke out in the neighborhood and that some residents and animals had to be temporarily evacuated.
The opposition party is now demanding clarity about the exact chemicals involved in the explosion and fire, what investigations have already been carried out, and whether the results of those investigations will be shared with Parliament.
MAN-PIN also wants the government to explain what risks the released substances may pose to public health and the environment.
In addition, the party is questioning the role of oversight and permit enforcement. Mc William asked authorities to clarify who owned the container involved in the incident, when the last inspection of the company took place, whether the company had all required permits, and whether authorities had previously been aware of possible risks or violations.
A politically sensitive issue is whether negligence or violations of safety regulations may have occurred in the storage of hazardous materials. MAN-PIN is also asking whether the government plans to launch an independent medical or epidemiological study into the health complaints reported by residents.
The party further wants to know whether the government intends to introduce stricter regulations and controls for the storage of hazardous and flammable chemicals in residential areas.