Aruba is flourishing, but the people are suffering. This is the harsh reality presented by Member of Parliament Eduard Pieters (PPA) during the weekly press conference: a country breaking tourism records but failing to manage its own waste is a country that is not advancing, but rather on the verge of collapse.
Neighborhoods pay the price for a paralyzed government In Parkietenbos, Simon Antonio, and Cas Paloma, the problem isn’t a theory—it’s daily life. Toxic odors have become part of their reality, affecting health, dignity, and quality of life. Over the years, these residents have heard endless promises and seen countless plans, investigations, and reports, yet solutions never arrived. “The people aren’t asking for more studies. The people are asking for solutions,” Pieters stated. For Pieters, this isn’t just negligence; it’s a sign of a paralyzed government lacking the courage to make decisions that should have been made years ago.
8 years of politics, zero results Pieters recalled a key moment in 2018 when former Minister Otmar Oduber proposed an incinerator as a solution. At the time, the proposal was derailed through political drama, environmental arguments, and interests that, according to Pieters, now appear to have been personal rather than factual. Today, nearly a decade later, Aruba has incinerators processing medical waste and sludge without issues, proving that direction was correct. “History shows that when politics and personal interests dominate, the people pay the price,” Pieters declared.
Overtourism or Under-development? The question Pieters raised is simple yet devastating: Does Aruba have overtourism or under-development? Tourism is growing, but infrastructure is lagging. Streets are deteriorating, public transport is failing, and the waste system is collapsing. To Pieters, this is no coincidence, but the result of years of poor planning. “Growth without vision is a disaster waiting to explode,” he warned.
The government lacks courage, not information According to Pieters, the issue isn’t a lack of studies. Aruba has enough reports and technical advice to act. What is missing is political will. “We don’t lack plans. We lack courage,” he said. While decisions are postponed, the problem grows larger, more expensive, and more dangerous for public health.
The solution is clear, but the government isn’t moving Pieters proposed a concrete step: Aruba must implement water laws and strict management that force large projects, such as hotels and condominiums, to process their own wastewater and reuse it sustainably. This is already happening in some parts of Aruba. With a gradual transition of 5 to 10 years, this would relieve pressure on the current system and reduce pollution. However, the government must move past speeches and take action.
A country that has lost its way For Pieters, this reflects a country that has lost its direction. Aruba knew tourism would grow and pressure would increase, yet it failed to prepare. “A country that does not plan its growth condemns its people to suffer the consequences,” he said. Enough talking; it’s time for leadership. While the government continues to discuss, the neighborhoods continue to suffer. “The people cannot keep living in toxic odors while the government argues,” Pieters concluded.
