ORANJESTAD (AAN): A debate in Parliament has raised serious concerns about the government’s plan to refurbish the wastewater treatment plant (RWZI) at Bubali Plas, which is more than 50 years old.
Parliamentarian Oduber criticized the proposal, stating that the issue has been ongoing for years and requires a long-term, structural solution. The Bubali Plant Refurbishment Aruba discussion highlights growing frustration over delays in addressing the problem, which affects public health, tourism, and the economy.
The RWZI facilities at Bubali and Zeewijk have been under pressure due to increasing tourism, with over 1.4 million visitors annually. Experts previously recommended constructing two new plants to handle the demand, suggesting that refurbishing outdated infrastructure would not be sufficient.
According to Oduber, the original plan involved creating a new company, AWSS, funded partly through a $20 tourist fee. This approach aimed to generate sustainable revenue for building modern treatment facilities. However, the current government is now considering refurbishing the existing Bubali plant, built in 1972.
Critics argue that the Bubali Plant Refurbishment Aruba plan is not a viable long-term solution, as the aging facility was never designed to handle the current volume of wastewater.
The ongoing issue continues to impact surrounding areas, with residents reporting worsening odors and environmental concerns. The debate emphasizes the urgent need for effective and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
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