AVP Member of Parliament Otami Thomasia is calling for greater accountability and transparency in the management of Aruba’s wastewater system, describing it as one of the most critical yet often overlooked components of the island’s national infrastructure.
Thomasia stressed that an effective wastewater treatment system is essential to protecting public health, preserving the environment, and supporting the country’s economic development. This is especially true for the San Nicolas region, where growing economic activity and tourism are placing increasing pressure on essential infrastructure.
San Nicolas continues to undergo revitalization, with new investments and major projects such as the expansion of Secrets Baby Beach Aruba expected to bring more visitors and economic dynamism to the area. Thomasia acknowledged this as a positive development that deserves support — but insisted that revitalization must always go hand in hand with institutional responsibility and infrastructure readiness.
Since July 2024, Aruba’s wastewater treatment system has been managed by Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS). The transition raised community expectations for improved management, greater operational efficiency, and the adoption of modern technology to treat wastewater safely and sustainably.
However, a recent presentation on the operational status of the treatment plants revealed that while visible progress has been made, significant deficiencies remain that need to be addressed with urgency and discipline.
Among the main facilities, operational levels vary considerably. The Parkietenbos plant is running at approximately 90% capacity, while the Bubali and Zeewijk plants are operating at around 65%. The incinerator — a key component in waste management — is functioning at only about 25% of its capacity.
According to Thomasia, these figures clearly indicate that the system has not yet reached the level of capacity and resilience that the country demands.
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