On Thursday morning, Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction participated in an official visit to AWSS, which was open to all members of Parliament. The visit focused on the new incinerator that AWSS is planning to implement, including a complete tour of current operations and the future mobile incinerator. This is not a new topic, but it is an urgent one, especially when discussing community safety and responsible waste management, particularly for medical waste.
A Long-Standing Problem Without a Solution
According to Eduard Pieters: “For years, the PPA faction has repeatedly raised concerns about the medical waste containers inherited by AWSS. These containers pose a real risk to neighborhoods such as Parkietenbos, Simon Antonio, and the surrounding areas.”
During the visit, the reality became even more concerning: 70 containers of medical waste are still being stored while awaiting safe processing.
“This is not a new problem. 27 years ago, professional reports already indicated that an incinerator was the right direction for Aruba as a small country. For more than two decades, these warnings were ignored. Seven years ago, under the previous government, an expert commission led by Engineer Jossy Lacle, with participation from technical partners, stakeholders, and local residents, reached the same conclusion: Aruba needs a modern and safe incinerator,” Eduard explained.
A question many people, including Eduard, ask is: “Why was the incinerator project boycotted and delayed for so many years, despite technical and community consensus? Today, seven years later, we again recognize that an incinerator is good for Aruba. The legitimate question remains: why do we continue to doubt our own experts, commission, and population every time?”
Modern Technology, Not an Old Myth
The new incinerator proposed by AWSS is nothing like the old models that many people have in mind. “This is a state-of-the-art system using highly efficient and clean technology. The system does not use diesel, but LPG, for which AWSS has signed an agreement with Arugas. LPG consumption is minimal because the medical waste incineration process is highly efficient.”
According to technical explanations, the fuel use is well controlled and does not produce the type of pollution that many people expect. This solution protects public health, the environment, and community safety without unnecessary burden on our ecosystem.
A Responsible Step for Aruba
With the implementation of the new incinerator, Aruba will finally be able to safely and permanently dispose of medical waste, eliminating a risk that has persisted for many years. This is a responsible step, based on science, experience, and real need.
The PPA faction wants to commend AWSS for the progress achieved and the decision to finally implement the incinerator. “Aruba cannot continue to postpone technical solutions that protect our people. A modern incinerator is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Yesterday’s visit confirmed that this path is the right one: one of responsibility, safety, and respect for our community and environment,” Eduard Pieters concluded.
