Owners Given One Week: Operation Launched to Remove Abandoned Vehicles from Public Roads
ORANJESTAD — The government, together with the Aruba Police Force (KPA) and various relevant agencies, has launched a coordinated operation to tackle the issue of abandoned vehicles occupying public roads and public spaces for extended periods.
The operation will kick off in Oranjestad, with the intention of gradually expanding the initiative to other parts of Aruba.
The announcement was made during a press conference featuring Police Chief Ramon Arnhem, Miguel Wever (coordinator for the Ministry of General Affairs), and Win Werleman of Serlimar.
According to Police Chief Arnhem, a number of abandoned vehicles have been spotted recently—including cars without license plates—that have been parked along roadsides or in open lots for quite some time.
"We no longer want this kind of scenery. It doesn't present a good image of our island," Arnhem stated. Beyond the visual aspect, he noted that neglected areas and accumulated trash can create conditions that fail to support an orderly and safe environment.
Final Warning for Vehicle Owners
Before taking enforcement action, the KPA is giving vehicle owners one final chance to take responsibility.
Police Chief Arnhem confirmed that the grace period runs through September 23. Starting September 24, the authorities will take concrete action and remove the identified abandoned vehicles.
"If it's your car, take responsibility," Arnhem emphasized.
The police chief pointed out that the KPA has the capability to track down a vehicle's owner, even if the car has no license plates. All costs related to the towing and subsequent procedures will be billed directly to the vehicle owner.
First Phase in Oranjestad
Miguel Wever explained that the situation has been monitored for several months and that various vehicles have already been identified in and around downtown Oranjestad.
This operation is tied to broader efforts to clean up, maintain, and revitalize the city center, including Caya Grandi (Main Street) and surrounding areas.
The initial phase also serves as a pilot project. The goal is to evaluate the process, address any bottlenecks, and then move step-by-step into other areas. "Aruba is not just Oranjestad."
Abandoned Cars Attract More Trash
Speaking on behalf of Serlimar, Win Werleman emphasized that abandoned vehicles frequently become dumping grounds for other garbage.
During his work and visits to various neighborhoods, Serlimar often encounters situations where trash is piled up around vehicles that have sat there for a long time. This not only damages the neighborhood's image but can also cause health hazards and attract pests.
Werleman linked the operation to the broader goals of the Cuida Aruba campaign and our shared responsibility to keep neighborhoods clean. While many citizens cooperate and keep their surroundings tidy, he noted that more work is needed to drive a lasting change in mindset.
Through this new initiative, the government, the KPA, and the involved agencies are sending a clear message: roads and public spaces are not storage lots for vehicles.
Owners are therefore urged to use the remaining days of the notice period to voluntarily remove their vehicles and avoid extra costs.
Starting September 24, the vehicle removal operation will begin in Oranjestadt, with plans to expand it to other regions of Aruba thereafter.