WILLEMSTAD – MAN-PIN wants the Curaçao government to explain whether Aqualectra is sufficiently involved when permits are granted for major construction projects that will significantly increase electricity demand, bringing a new dimension to the debate over the island’s current power shortages.
The question is among 19 submitted by the parliamentary faction as part of a request for an urgent question hour under Article 96a of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
While much of the recent discussion has centered on generating units that are currently unavailable and insufficient wind production, MAN-PIN is also questioning whether Curaçao’s electricity infrastructure is keeping pace with new development and growing demand.
The faction specifically wants to know how Aqualectra is involved when permits are considered for large construction projects requiring substantial additional electricity capacity.
The question comes as the island continues to experience rotating power cuts because Aqualectra has been unable at certain moments to generate enough electricity to meet demand.
MAN-PIN argues that increased electricity consumption during Curaçao’s hottest months is foreseeable and wants to know whether sufficient investment has been made to ensure adequate production capacity.
The faction is also seeking information about measures to protect residents who face greater risks during prolonged power interruptions. Particular attention is being requested for elderly people, people with vulnerable health conditions and residents who depend on electrically powered medical equipment.
Businesses should also be taken into consideration, according to MAN-PIN, because repeated electricity interruptions can disrupt operations and cause financial losses.
The questions place both short-term crisis management and longer-term electricity planning before the government. MAN-PIN wants clarity not only about what is being done to deal with the current shortage, but also whether investment and planning decisions have sufficiently anticipated Curaçao’s growing energy needs.
The faction has asked Parliament President Fergino Brownbill to schedule the question hour as soon as possible, citing the nationwide impact of the electricity problems.