A delegation from the Parliament of Aruba, together with Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers, visited Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS) to receive information on the progress of the medical waste incineration project. According to Joseph Everon, Managing Director/Technical Director of Utilities Aruba NV, the visit focused on operations, contractors, and companies involved in the project.
Everon stated that after more than six months of research and planning, AWSS is now in the execution phase of phase one of the project. One of the main priorities is the processing of approximately 60 containers of medical waste that have been stored in Aruba for more than two years.
As part of the first phase, AWSS will install a fixed incinerator at Parkietenbos, as well as mobile incinerators to increase capacity and reduce the existing backlog. The incinerators are dual-chamber, designed to reduce harmful gases, bacteria, and viruses, and are equipped with controls to comply with environmental standards.
The project also includes improvements to employee facilities, such as changing rooms, showers, a work clothes washing system, and a canteen. Phase two will focus on infrastructure and logistics for transporting medical waste, with an automated system to increase safety.
According to the plan, the incinerators will become operational in March, while staff training will begin to ensure the safe handling of medical and general waste in Aruba.