A non-profit group dedicated to the sustainable development of Anguilla is assisting the government in removing derelict vehicles from the island’s streets.
The Anguilla Enhancement Project is working alongside the Department of Health Protection to offer the free service to all residents.
“Abandoned cars use up space in the environment and, just like other waste, pose considerable risks for public health,” the group said in a Facebook post.
“Disused vehicles left in the environment are unsightly and affect the visual amenity of the area.”
“In addition, components deteriorate and leaks, such as oil and battery acid, pollute the surroundings and can cause risk to the health and safety of people and animals.”
Other issues, the group said, include that abandoned vehicles provide harbourage for animals like rats and mice which can spread disease.
‘A noble act’
In a government press conference on 1 July, Haydn Hughes, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism, praised the Anguilla Enhancement Project.
“We’ve seen the work that they have done across island – from Island Harbour to West End,” he said.
Hughes said the group approached his ministry and asked for financial assistance in tackling the scourge of derelict vehicles across the island, and said they have “come on board”.
“I think it’s a noble act and I think that regardless of whatever administration is there, they will work with entities such as this,” he said.
Hughes said that while the Department of Health Protection already offered a free service to remove derelict vehicles, the non-profit is actively going out and finding them.
“There are a lot of persons who really don’t think about it – the derelict vehicles is there, it becomes a fixture as part of the landscape for so long,” he said.
“So now what Anguilla Enhancement Project will do is approach persons who own these derelict vehicles and say, listen, I can remove this vehicle for you free of costs.
“We won’t be charging you, we’ll get rid of this vehicle, and then they will take it to the landfill.”
He said it is a good plan because derelict vehicles are an eyesore, and an environmental hazard “especially as we enter the hurricane season that has started very early”.
Residents with derelict vehicles can contact the Department of Health Protection or the Anguilla Enhancement Project on anguillaenhancementproject@gmail.com
