Aruba vehicle owners have been given a September 23 deadline to remove abandoned vehicles voluntarily from public roads and spaces. A coordinated government removal operation is scheduled to begin September 24, starting in Oranjestad.
Why abandoned vehicles are a waste issue
Long-neglected vehicles are more than a streetscape problem. They can become informal dumping points for other waste, create places where pests gather, and contribute to unsafe or unhygienic conditions near homes and businesses. Vehicles can also contain oils, batteries, refrigerants, tyres, plastics and metals that should be managed responsibly rather than left to deteriorate in public areas.
Serlimar has warned that abandoned cars can attract additional discarded material around them. Removing these vehicles can therefore help prevent small roadside waste sites from growing into larger sanitation problems.
Oranjestad will be the pilot area
The first phase will focus on Oranjestad, including the city centre and nearby streets. Authorities plan to assess the process before expanding the operation to other parts of Aruba.
The Aruba Police Force says ownership can be investigated even when a vehicle no longer has a licence plate. Owners may be held responsible for towing and the procedures that follow once the removal operation begins.
What owners should do
Anyone responsible for a vehicle left on a public road or in a public space should arrange for it to be moved before September 23. Where possible, vehicles that are no longer usable should be directed to an appropriate dismantling, reuse or recycling channel so recoverable materials can be handled safely.
The cleanup is an opportunity to connect enforcement with better end-of-life vehicle practices. Clear disposal options can help prevent the same problem from returning after the initial removal campaign.
Source: Aruba News: Aruba Sets Deadline for Abandoned Vehicles, based on reporting by NoticiaCla.