ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Serlimar Aruba Cleanup effort is supporting the National Day to Care for Aruba as waste-management teams join residents, businesses and community organisations in working toward a cleaner island.
Prime Minister Mike Eman met with employees of Servicio di Limpieza di Aruba, commonly known as Serlimar, at Kockstraat in San Nicolas as preparations continued for the national cleanup on July 25, 2026.
During the visit, Eman thanked the workers for their daily commitment to collecting waste and maintaining public areas throughout Aruba.
The government’s national campaign calls on citizens, schools, businesses, clubs, foundations and neighbourhood organisations to participate in cleaning and maintaining shared spaces.
Serlimar Workers Recognised for Daily Service
Eman acknowledged that Serlimar employees perform demanding work every day alongside teams from the Department of Public Works, the Tourism Product Enhancement Fund and other public services.
These organisations clean roadsides, neighbourhoods and public areas while responding to waste problems across the island.
However, the prime minister said the amount of accumulated waste and illegal dumping has become too extensive for government workers to address without community assistance.
Serlimar’s responsibilities include waste prevention, collection, processing and the maintenance of green areas, with the aim of supporting a clean and healthy environment in Aruba.
National Campaign Promotes Shared Responsibility
The National Day to Care for Aruba was created to encourage the entire community to support the workers who maintain the island throughout the year.
The campaign is not intended to provide only one day of cleaning.
Its wider objective is to restore community participation and strengthen personal responsibility for neighbourhoods, roads and public spaces.
Eman said every community can make a difference when neighbours work together around their homes and in shared areas.
Greater community participation would allow Serlimar teams to concentrate more resources on locations requiring specialist equipment or extensive cleaning.
Residents Encouraged to Help Neighbours
The prime minister also encouraged residents to pay attention to neighbours who may require assistance.
Helping an older resident clean a garden, remove unwanted materials or transport waste can form part of the national effort.
Organisers want the campaign to revive the tradition of neighbours supporting one another and working together to improve their communities.
The government has emphasised that maintaining Aruba cannot be left entirely to public-service employees.
Residents can contribute by disposing of waste correctly, preventing illegal dumping and keeping cleaned areas in good condition after the campaign.
Serlimar Confirms Participation
Serlimar director Michel Henriquez expressed support for the national initiative and confirmed that the organisation’s teams would contribute their maximum effort.
Henriquez said Serlimar employees already work hard each day, but community cooperation is necessary to achieve a noticeably cleaner Aruba.
The Serlimar Aruba Cleanup contribution reflects the organisation’s central role in the island’s waste-management system.
Serlimar has also worked with the government on neighbourhood waste containers and plans for additional permanent community collection facilities.
Companies Invited to Provide Resources
Eman invited businesses and organisations with available employees, machinery or equipment to support the national effort.
Companies can contribute vehicles, tools, safety supplies, waste containers or volunteers.
The prime minister thanked the organising committee, volunteers and partner organisations that confirmed their participation.
The government said the involvement of different sectors demonstrates that protecting Aruba’s environment is a shared responsibility.
Marines Support Mabon Project
Savaneta Marine Barracks is among the organisations participating in the campaign.
Marine personnel are expected to assist with cleaning and improving a sports and recreational area in the Mabon neighbourhood.
The Royal Netherlands Navy previously expressed its willingness to support the national initiative and work with local communities beyond the July 25 campaign.
Their participation adds military personnel to a wider network of residents, construction companies, government departments and community volunteers supporting projects around Aruba.
Long-Term Change Remains the Goal
The National Day to Care for Aruba seeks to create habits that continue after the official campaign.
Residents are encouraged to maintain cleaned areas, report illegal dumping and use authorised waste-disposal locations.
Government departments and environmental authorities have also indicated that enforcement against illegal dumping will remain important after the national event.
Through the Serlimar Aruba Cleanup effort, government leaders hope to recognise public-service workers while inspiring greater community participation.
The campaign’s central message is that a cleaner Aruba requires cooperation among Serlimar, other government departments, businesses, organisations and every resident of the island.
