In recent months, the growing issue of illegal dumping has become a serious concern across Aruba. Small-scale dumping sites—so-called “mini dumps”—are increasingly appearing in neighborhoods around the island.
One such case drew attention when 24ora reported on the persistent trash problem at an apartment complex on Venezuelastraat. The situation had been ongoing for quite some time and continued to deteriorate, becoming a major nuisance for neighbors. The accumulation of waste was not only unsightly but also attracted swarms of flies and cockroaches.
On Monday morning, there was a welcome development: the property owner finally took action by renting a dumpster and having the area thoroughly cleaned. The site, which had practically become a landfill, was cleared of garbage.
24ora contacted the Bureau City Inspector (BCI) to inquire further about the situation. However, the agency explained that the location is private property and therefore outside of BCI’s jurisdiction. Maintenance and cleanliness of the area are the sole responsibility of the property owner.
A key oversight in the design and management of the apartment complex is the absence of proper waste disposal infrastructure. There are no designated garbage bins outside the building, leaving residents without a clear and accessible way to discard household waste. This lack of planning likely contributed to the accumulation of trash, as some residents—or even nearby neighbors—resorted to dumping garbage in the surrounding area.
In response to the situation, the 24ora team contacted Minister Dowers, who was present on-site to oversee the cleanup efforts. The Minister expressed his satisfaction that the property owner had taken responsibility by renting a dumpster to remove the waste. However, he emphasized that this is only a first step. The owner is now required to install official Serlimar bins to ensure residents have a proper way to dispose of their trash moving forward.
Minister Dowers also made it clear that penalties will be enforced against those who engage in illegal dumping. He stressed that while the government is committed to maintaining a clean Aruba, community cooperation is essential. He further assured the public that routine inspections will continue to support cleanliness efforts across the island.
For now, the apartment complex and its surroundings have been fully cleared of waste, thanks to the owner’s intervention. Whether the area remains clean, however, is yet to be seen.
