Today officially marked the first day of operation of the permanent Waste Zone (Zona di Desperdicio) in Barcadera, an initiative that represents an important step in the continuous effort to keep Aruba clean, organized, and sustainable.
During the press conference, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia, emphasized that this project is the result of a ministerial vision where the success of tourism is reinvested directly into concrete improvements for our island and community.
Through the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and with support from the Government Initiatives budget (ESG/Sustainability Fund), the Government managed to direct funds to address structural challenges related to cleanliness and waste management.
“Tourism must bring direct benefits to our people. When we reinvest in a cleaner Aruba, we are investing in the quality of life of our community and in the experience of everyone who visits our island,” Minister Wendrick Cicilia expressed.
The permanent Waste Zone provides a central point for citizens to dispose of bulky waste, such as household waste and other large materials, as well as green/garden waste, thereby eliminating dependency on the temporary ‘Baki den Bario’ (Dumpsters in the Neighborhood) system.
According to Minister Cicilia, the initiative not only provides more convenience for the community, but also helps prevent waste from accumulating in neighborhoods and reduces the long lines that were previously a challenge for many.
Reports from A.T.A. consistently show that Aruba’s cleanliness is among the most important reasons why visitors appreciate our island and choose to return. For that reason, investing in a clean Aruba is a direct investment in our quality of life and our tourism product.
The Government will conduct an evaluation after six months to analyze the usage, impact, and the possibility of expanding the concept to different parts of Aruba.
“A clean Aruba is everyone’s responsibility. The Government provides the infrastructure, but success depends on a collective effort to take care of our island,” Minister Cicilia concluded.
