Cuida Aruba continues to grow with neighborhood, organizational, and community participation

The press conference was held at the Playa Pabou neighborhood center, which serves as one of the collection points for the community during this edition. Prime Minister Mike Eman stated that Cuida Aruba continues to evolve, not merely as a waste collection drive, but as a community initiative where organizations, volunteers, and residents can take responsibility for their own neighborhoods. With the involvement of CEDE Aruba, the initiative gains an extra dimension, enabling collaboration with NGOs and groups looking to adopt and manage a specific area.

He also emphasized the importance of viewing various types of waste as materials that still hold value. Tree trimmings and leaves, cardboard, paper, metal, and other materials can be sorted or recycled rather than simply ending up as garbage.

For this edition, the Playa Pabou neighborhood center is functioning as one of the drop-off locations. The bins normally stationed at the Harbor Arena will be placed at Playa Pabou, as the Harbor Arena is unavailable this weekend due to a major event. APA remains a partner and sponsor of the waste bins.

CEDE coordinator Silvhyanne Vrolijk emphasized that interest in participating in Cuida Aruba continues to grow. Various organizations, businesses, and schools have signed up to contribute, while neighborhood associations are taking the initiative to clean up or adopt areas in their own districts. For example, the Piedra Plat Family Center has indicated it will take responsibility for several areas in Piedra Plat, while the Playa Pabou neighborhood center is also mobilizing local residents.

Regarding traffic arrangements, Maurits Dijkhoff, deputy spokesperson for the Bureau of City Inspection, explained that an entry and exit system will be set up at the Playa Pabou neighborhood center to promote smooth traffic flow. Staff members will be present to guide motorists and indicate where each type of waste should be deposited. Staff will also be on hand at other collection points to assist the public.

DNM spokesperson Shahayra Croes highlighted the recycling chain and shared responsibility in waste management. She explained that although Aruba's recycling chain is not yet fully closed, projects like Cuida Aruba contribute to an essential part of the process: the proper sorting and collection of materials.

The process begins the moment a product is purchased and used, followed by collection and processing, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing the material back into the chain as raw material or a new product. DNM emphasized that the community also has a responsibility to sort waste at home, prevent waste from being dumped in nature, and explore options such as composting.

A clean Aruba is not only important for protecting flora and fauna, but also has a direct link to public health. DNM called on the community and the business sector to spot opportunities for innovation and investment in new material recycling activities.

Serlimar, with its experience in waste collection, is part of the operation to ensure that the various waste streams are managed in an organized manner. The objective is for materials arriving at the collection points to be correctly sorted and directed to the appropriate stream.

The Government invites the community to actively participate this Saturday, make use of the collection points, and, wherever possible, roll up their sleeves in their own neighborhoods.

Taking care of Aruba is a collective effort: for our neighborhood, our nature, our health, and Aruba's future.