Endy Croes (MEP) questions ATA's Afl. 2.1 million contract

ORANJESTAD – During a public parliamentary meeting, MP Endy Croes (MEP) questioned a Afl. 2.1 million annual contract awarded by the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) to Ecotech for the "Baki den Bario" waste management project in Barcadera.

Croes argued that the contract was awarded without the required public tender, despite procurement rules requiring one for projects exceeding Afl. 200,000. He said this could violate ATA legislation and principles of good governance.

He also raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest, noting that the ATA Board chair who signed the approval request is employed by a company within the same corporate group as Ecotech. According to Croes, having the vice-chair sign the request would have helped avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Croes further questioned why the government waste company Serlimar was not involved and argued that waste management falls outside ATA's core responsibilities.

He concluded that transparency, good governance and compliance with the law should guide all decisions involving public funds.