One way or another, there has to be a way to raise the necessary funds to build and maintain the operation of a modern water purification plant. The decision, however, will ultimately affect the visitor. Prime Minister Evelyn Wever Croes couldn’t exactly explain how the formula works, namely the percentage.
It only explained that how much a visitor will pay, depends on the size of their room. Each room size has a rate, and the larger the room, the higher the percentage.
These charges will come into effect as soon as the privatization law comes into effect. She referred to the numerous discussions about the best way to reach the necessary funds. “A decision had to be made whether to ask the people of Aruba to pay an extra tax or to ask tourists to pay for the wastewater treatment plant.”
In the end, the burden couldn’t be placed on the people since “the BBO was just introduced at the border and various adjustments were made, so now is not the time to ask the people of Aruba for more help with this. That’s why it was decided to place it in the hotel or tourist sector.
At this point, within the government itself, they couldn’t reach the necessary sum to build a new wastewater treatment plant. The decision might not remain in the hands of the government. Financial regulations prohibit borrowing money for such a project. The regulations also state that there must always be a surplus of one percent. Whatever is left over can be used. Everything that could be done to try and resolve the issue has been done, it has been patched repeatedly but it is no longer salvageable. What we need now is a new plant.
On Tuesday morning, there will be a parliamentary meeting on this issue where concerned ministers will be present.
