ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Mabon Aruba Cleanup will unite residents, construction companies, Royal Netherlands Navy personnel and community volunteers in an effort to clean and restore the neighbourhood on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The activity forms part of the National Day of Care for Aruba, a government initiative encouraging residents, businesses, schools and community organizations to help maintain the island’s public spaces.
Mabon’s community leaders hope the initiative will help the area become one of the cleanest neighbourhoods in Aruba.
Officials Inspect Mabon Park
Gerco Rijkers, general manager of Algemeen Bouwbedrijf ALBO Aruba N.V. and president of the Aruba Construction Employers Association, visited Mabon Park with ALBO work supervisor Tomas Loefstop.
They inspected the park and its sports and recreational facilities to determine which improvements could be completed during the national cleanup.
The delegation also visited other parts of Mabon requiring attention.
The inspection helped organizers identify how the work should be divided and which tools, machinery, personnel and other resources would be required.
Waste Containers Planned for Mabon
Waste containers will be placed at strategic locations throughout the neighbourhood.
The containers will allow residents to dispose of large unwanted items and materials they no longer use.
Residents are encouraged to clean their homes and yards, remove unnecessary belongings, sweep leaves, cut overgrown grass and assist with public areas.
Organizers said coordinated waste collection would make it easier to improve streets, sidewalks, parks and other shared spaces.
Community President Calls for Volunteers
Astrid Vries, president of the Mabon Development and Welfare Committee, invited every resident to participate.
She acknowledged that the neighbourhood requires considerable work but said residents could produce significant improvements by working together.
Vries emphasized that Mabon belongs to its community and that every participating resident can contribute to the neighbourhood’s transformation.
She encouraged residents to leave their homes on July 25 and demonstrate their commitment to caring for their surroundings.
The committee hopes the Mabon Aruba Cleanup will strengthen neighbourhood pride and encourage residents to take greater responsibility for shared spaces.
Construction Sector Provides Support
The Aruba Construction Employers Association, known as WAB, will participate alongside ALBO Aruba and other construction-sector partners.
The organizations are expected to contribute workers, equipment and machinery to complete tasks requiring professional resources.
Their involvement will allow volunteers to address work beyond ordinary litter collection, including improvements to damaged or neglected areas.
Organizers reviewed the locations in advance to ensure that equipment and personnel could be assigned efficiently.
Navy Personnel Join Cleanup
Personnel connected to the Royal Netherlands Navy and Savaneta Marine Barracks are also expected to support the activity.
The Government of Aruba previously confirmed the Navy’s willingness to participate in the National Day of Care and assist local communities.
Military personnel will work alongside Mabon residents, volunteers and construction-sector representatives.
Community leaders described the partnership as an example of how government, businesses, military organizations and residents can cooperate for Aruba’s benefit.
Mabon Park Needs Restoration
Mabon Park includes softball and baseball fields, recreational spaces and other facilities used by the community.
However, insufficient maintenance has caused parts of the area to deteriorate.
The July 25 initiative will begin the process of cleaning and improving the site so it can once again serve residents.
Organizers hope the work will create a safer, cleaner and more attractive environment for children, families and athletes.
The objective is not only to remove waste but also to give the recreational area a fresh start.
Commitment Must Continue After July 25
Vries emphasized that the neighbourhood’s responsibility will not end when the national cleanup concludes.
Residents must continue caring for the restored areas to prevent the results of the volunteer effort from being lost.
The committee wants the campaign to become the beginning of a long-term commitment to neighbourhood maintenance.
Community members are encouraged to report illegal dumping, dispose of waste correctly and help keep cleaned areas in good condition.
Prime Minister Praises Cooperation
Prime Minister Mike Eman welcomed the preparations and expressed satisfaction that the National Day of Care for Aruba was becoming a reality.
He said cooperation among the government, private sector, Royal Netherlands Navy and Mabon community demonstrated what could be accomplished through shared responsibility.
Eman emphasized that caring for Aruba requires participation from every part of society.
The national initiative invites people throughout the island to clean neighbourhoods, parks and public areas on July 25.
Mabon Aims to Set an Example
The Mabon Development and Welfare Committee wants the neighbourhood to become an example for other communities across Aruba.
Organizers believe clean public areas can improve safety, strengthen community pride and create better recreational opportunities.
Residents have been encouraged to clean every part of the neighbourhood, including roads, sidewalks, undeveloped land and areas surrounding their homes.
Through the Mabon Aruba Cleanup, the community hopes to demonstrate that lasting improvements are possible when residents and partner organizations work toward the same objective.
The July 25 activity will mark the beginning of Mabon’s ambition to become one of Aruba’s cleanest and best-maintained neighbourhoods.
