Following a recent publication regarding water system issues in front of local hotels, the Aruba Water and Sewage Authority (AWSS) has responded to clarify that teams are actively working to resolve the situation. The reaction came after a report by 24ora.com highlighted complaints about strong odors and suggested a lack of action from the utility provider.
AWSS officials confirmed that their teams have been mobilizing early in the day to address various incidents, while the call center is handling a significant increase in calls. The authority explained that the technical challenges stem from specific areas where the rainwater drainage system remains connected to the sewage infrastructure. During intense rainfall, seawater and debris infiltrate the system, leading to obstructions in the pumps that hinder their operation.
The long-term remedy for this issue is the complete separation of the rainwater and sewage networks. Projects aimed at achieving this separation are currently in development and are being executed by DOW. However, AWSS noted that this is a complex undertaking that requires time and cannot be completed in the short term.
To mitigate the impact during the ongoing rain and hurricane season, AWSS is taking immediate measures. The organization is increasing the size of its work teams to service multiple locations at once and ensure a faster response to any disruptions. AWSS ended its statement by thanking the public for their patience and understanding during this period.
