The Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) does not provide citizens with sufficient information
On this page
The Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) does not provide citizens with sufficient information
According to an investigation by the National Ombudsman, the Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB) had failed to deal with a number of applications, requests and complaints promptly and efficiently. Procedures were slow and applicants regularly received insufficient information or none at all. The investigation was prompted by nine long-standing complaints about the working methods of the Spatial Planning and Development Department (R&O), some of which had been ongoing for more than ten years.
The complaints made it clear that the OLB had not provided citizens with sufficient information and did not actively keep them up to date about their applications or requests. Answers to questions sometimes provided differing or even contradictory information and in some instances there was no response at all. Citizens were seldom offered clarity or solutions, even after submitting complaints. According to the Ombudsman, this situation had significantly affected their daily lives.
The National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen says: "I expect the government to put citizens at the heart of its work. Citizens must be well informed about what they can expect from the government and when. This means that questions, requests and indeed complaints as well must be taken seriously and dealt with promptly and efficiently."
Although the Ombudsman understands that there are circumstances that make it difficult for the OLB to perform its responsibilities, he believes that that should not be a reason for not informing citizens or for not doing so in a timely manner. He expects the OLB to process requests quickly and meticulously and to provide citizens with prompt and clear information in order to maintain trust.
