Government’s National Clean-Up Drive Removes Nearly Two Dozen Derelict Vehicles in Yorks
Significant interest is being shown for the newly implemented incentive program for the removal of derelict vehicles.
“Individuals are making requests and indicating that they are prepared to remove these exed vehicles from the streets and taking them to the dumps. Persons are being contracted to work throughout the day in the removal of some of these derelict vehicles that are littering the entire country. So, work is being done where that is concerned and that was discussed and some decisions made,” Cabinet Spokesperson Maurice Merchant shared.
The government introduced the incentive last week to accelerate removals nationwide, though the high number of abandoned cars has caused delays.
“Once the police have marked these vehicles with that big red X, then if you are a private individual who wish to remove that vehicle, you coordinate that with the police and the Ministry of Social Transformation and you can remove that vehicle that is marked with that red X by the police and gain $150 per car.
“So, if you remove the car to the landfill, $150 is yours once you coordinate that with the police and the ministry believes that that will help in the removal of so many derelict vehicles in our communities,” Merchant explained.
Launched in October, the initiative seeks to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s appearance and address health and security risks. Inspectors mark vehicles with an “X,” giving owners notice and time to act. If no action is taken, government crews use heavy equipment to haul away vehicles for proper disposal.
Officials emphasize that public cooperation is key. Residents are urged to help restore community spaces.
It is imperative that these derelict eyesores and threats to the public health be removed expeditiously. There are two abandobed limousines by the school in John Hughes that need to be removed forthwith. The island will be much better off when they have been removed
The incentive programme is a smart idea, but coordination between the police and the ministry will have to be tight for this to work smoothly
Everywhere you turn is one dead vehicle block up the place. If the $150 go mek people hurry up and clean up, me deh pon board.
Finally! Those derelict cars have been blocking sidewalks and roads for years. This should improve how our communities look and function.
No other options than going to Landfill?
Indeed. Sending these derelict vehicles to scrap yards or other recycling places would be better options but I’ll take the landfill if that would expedite the process.
Glad to see the government taking action on something that affects everyone daily.
Abandoned cars are not just ugly; they’re dangerous. Clearing them helps with drainage, traffic flow and neighbourhood safety