ORANJESTAD (AAN) – MEP Parliamentarian Xiomara Maduro warned that Aruba is facing a serious environmental and public health risk due to the condition of the wastewater treatment plant in Bubali.
During a recent public meeting regarding Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS), Maduro stated that Minister Dowers failed to present a concrete and sustainable plan to solve the urgent wastewater treatment problems facing Aruba.
AWSS has been responsible for wastewater treatment and management in Aruba since 2024. Its main responsibility is to purify used water, prevent environmental contamination, and protect public health. However, the Bubali treatment plant, considered one of Aruba’s most critical infrastructures, has been operating for decades and is now outdated and unable to meet current and future demands.
During the meeting, the MEP faction presented a motion highlighting several concerns, including the aging condition of the Bubali plant, ongoing foul odor problems, discharge of insufficiently treated water, and the real risk of system failures. The motion also stated that although significant funds have been spent since 2017, most investments were only temporary solutions.
The motion further noted that a comprehensive plan developed in 2022 with participation from Royal HaskoningDHV was never implemented. According to MEP, the lack of action increases the risk of environmental damage, economic consequences, and public health problems.
The motion requested that the government present a concrete and sustainable plan for the Bubali plant within six weeks, based on existing studies or a better alternative, while also providing clarity regarding financing, execution phases, and risk management.
However, the motion did not receive support from AVP and Futuro parliamentarians, who voted against it despite what Maduro described as the urgent nature of the situation.
Maduro warned that the Bubali plant could become “a bomb waiting to explode,” with potentially serious consequences for Aruba’s tourism sector, environment, public health, and economy.
She criticized Minister Dowers for failing to provide strategic direction for AWSS and said the coalition’s decision to reject the motion reflects a lack of seriousness and commitment toward real solutions.
“We urgently call on Minister Dowers and AWSS to act quickly and present a sustainable plan. Aruba cannot continue depending on temporary solutions while the problem keeps growing,” Maduro stated.
