Oranjestad – An Aruban who has been living abroad for several years returned this summer for a vacation, only to be met with disappointment at the growing garbage problem in key tourist areas.
The visitor shared his embarrassment walking through spots frequently visited by tourists on their way to Hooiberg and the Indian Rock Garden. Instead of enjoying clean paths, he encountered black garbage bags scattered along the route, leaving him with a deep sense of shame.
The problem was particularly pronounced near the back of Hooiberg, where trails leading to the popular stairway were littered. Many of the garbage bags appeared intentionally dumped and were torn open, likely by stray dogs searching for food, leaving waste strewn across the area.
This situation has worsened following the closure of the Parkietenbos dump. Without the facility, illegal dumping in various parts of the island has noticeably increased.
The returning resident emphasized the need for a proper study or investigation to understand why the issue has escalated, pointing out that proper trash disposal options exist but are not being utilized.
The visible litter at heavily trafficked areas serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect Aruba’s natural landmarks and maintain cleanliness for both residents and visitors.
Photo credits : https://english.24ora.com/returning-local-troubled-by-garbage-littering-the-island/
