Investments will be made to help achieve sustainably lower rates for electricity, drinking water and telecommunications in the long term. Significant steps will be taken to make energy supplies on Saba and Statia more sustainable, with a total investment of €12 million.
On Bonaire, the seawater intake system, which is essential for drinking water production, will be replaced at a cost of €8 million. On Statia, leaking water pipes will be replaced with an investment of €1.7 million, while €2.1 million will be used to modernise the fibre-optic network.
In addition, arrangements will be made in 2027 to continue subsidies that help reduce household bills for energy, telecommunications and water. The public entities will also receive additional funding to provide financial assistance to parents who are unable to pay their share of childcare costs. A total of €6.2 million has been reserved for these subsidies.
State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg said:
“In 2027, we will take significant steps to lower the cost of living. In doing so, we are continuing to implement the recommendations of the Caribbean Netherlands Social Minimum Committee. Making electricity and water production more sustainable pays off, as the current geopolitical situation is driving up fuel and energy prices. Residents are already feeling the impact of these price increases. A large portion of their wages goes towards water and electricity bills. The measures we are taking must result in residents of Saba, Statia and Bonaire feeling the financial benefits, both in the short and long term.”
Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Vijlbrief said:
“On Saba, Statia and Bonaire, people are experiencing increasing costs for electricity, water and internet. That is why we are now taking a major step to lower the cost of living, with sustainable solutions that will continue to deliver results from 2027 onwards.”
