Concerns Raised Over Safety and Living Conditions of Public Housing Tenants
WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party PAR is demanding urgent answers from Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning Charles Cooper following the announcement that Fundashon Kas Popular (FKP) will suspend maintenance work on public housing units.
In a formal request submitted to Parliament President Fergino Brownbill, PAR faction leader Quincy Girigorie warned that the suspension could have immediate consequences for the safety, health, and well-being of hundreds of tenants living in government-owned housing.
According to Girigorie, FKP's decision has created uncertainty among residents because little information has been provided regarding the reasons for the suspension, how long it will last, and how many homes will be affected. He also questioned how emergency repairs will be handled during the suspension period.
PAR argues that many public housing units have already suffered from years of insufficient maintenance and that a complete halt to repairs could create dangerous situations for tenants.
The party specifically raised concerns about responsibility should residents suffer injuries due to deteriorating housing conditions. Girigorie noted that urgent maintenance issues cannot simply be postponed indefinitely without consequences for public safety.
The issue has been elevated to Parliament through a request for a Question Hour session, during which Minister Cooper is expected to explain the government's position and provide clarity on the future of the maintenance program.
PAR says the matter affects a significant portion of the community and deserves immediate political attention because it directly impacts the quality of life of vulnerable families who depend on public housing.