Government Departments transition to Electric Vehicles.
ORANJESTAD – The Department of Economic Affairs, Trade and Industry (DAECI) received four electric cars as part of the sustainability policy of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Communication, and Sustainable Development.
During the ceremony, Minister of Economic Affairs Geoffrey Wever announced that the government initiated the formal process of transitioning all their service vehicles.
Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI is the first government department to undergo this transition, and soon SEDECO, Department of Telecommunications Affairs (DTZ) and Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) vehicles will also be replaced, a process that has already begun. With the recent approval from the Council of Ministers for the complete transition within the government, departments like Public Works Department (DOW), Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP), Internal Services Bureau (BID), Department of Legislation and Legal Affairs (DWJZ), and others will soon receive electric cars as well.
The European Union, through the GO-Facility, will provide both financial (€190,000) and technical support for this transition. The European Union will use Aruba's pilot project as an example and guide for other countries on utilizing European funds outside the EU.
The government of Aruba is taking on the role of a 'role model,' and with this decision, all services will switch to electric cars wherever possible. It will have a direct positive impact on our community and government finances, with a cost saving of 14% compared to traditional vehicles, as studies indicated. TCO2 emissions reduction from government vehicles will improve the quality of life and promote the preservation of our nature and earth. The electrification of transport is essential for the transition to clean energy. Additionally, it will make Aruba less dependent on fossil fuels, which fluctuate significantly in price.
The transition to electric vehicles also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG #7; Clean Energy, SDG #11; Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG #12; Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG #13; Climate Action, and SDG #15; Life on Land.