ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Cuida Nos Aruba Warns Island Faces Major Waste Problem, with coordinator Miguel Wever saying accumulated garbage has become visible across much of the island and requires more than a one-day cleanup campaign.
Speaking to Matutino DIARIO, Wever said it was unfortunate to acknowledge that many areas of Aruba have become heavily affected by waste. He explained that visits to neighbourhoods show large amounts of garbage around homes and inside residential yards, indicating that the problem has developed over several years.
According to Wever, Aruba is facing a structural waste-management problem that has not always been addressed in the correct or most effective way.
He pointed to the previous Bakinan den Bario initiative as an example of strong public participation, while noting that significant amounts of waste still remained around some homes after the project.
Wever said the initiative recorded an average of approximately 500 vehicles per day, while about 60 large waste containers were filled. Although the public showed willingness to participate, he said a more permanent and organized solution was still needed.
He expressed confidence that Aruba is now moving in the right direction to address the issue more effectively.
Wever also said he is working with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and neighbourhood police officers to help reduce illegal dumping and improve cleanliness during the upcoming Saturday campaign.
Agencies and Volunteers Join Cleanup Effort
Wever thanked the many residents, companies, government agencies, and volunteers contributing to the national cleanup effort.
Participating organizations include Serlimar, the Department of Public Works (DOW), WEB Aruba, the Aruba Tourism Authority, SETAR, and several hotels that are making employees available as volunteers.
These organizations are helping coordinate the event, prepare collection locations, and support the waste disposal points previously announced by the Bureau City Inspector.
The government will provide designated waste containers, while residents are expected to transport unwanted items and garbage to the approved collection locations.
Information and Assistance Available
Residents seeking assistance or additional information about the cleanup campaign can call 588-0100.
Details about routes, waste-container locations, and other practical information are also available through arubatanostur.com.
Wever emphasized that the success of the campaign depends on cooperation between the government and the community, with residents taking responsibility for bringing waste to the correct disposal points and helping create a cleaner Aruba.
