Residents of several residential areas in Commewijne have had enough of the persistent smoke nuisance and are demanding that the authorities intervene immediately. In a petition dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, they call on the districtscommissaris to introduce a burning ban, carry out stricter inspections and punish offenders.
The petition, entitled ‘Stop the smoke nuisance in Commewijne’, mainly focuses on the situation in Zoelen, Voorburg, Palm Grove and Palm Village. According to its authors, residents of these areas are structurally confronted with smoke entering their homes and seriously disrupting daily life.
The document points to the health risks posed by the persistent smoke emissions. Children, elderly people and persons with asthma or other lung conditions would be particularly vulnerable. The residents state that they are unwillingly exposed to harmful smoke, without being able to adequately protect themselves against it.
Smoke enters homes
In addition to health concerns, residents complain about the loss of residential comfort. According to the petition, smoke enters homes through open windows, ventilation systems and ventilation grilles. As a result, residents can no longer properly ventilate their homes.
Clothing, furniture and laundry also become permeated with the smell of smoke, according to the initiators. The continuous odour nuisance causes frustration and makes it increasingly difficult for residents to enjoy their living environment in a normal way.
Residents want ban and sanctions
Through the petition, the residents address the districtscommissaris of Commewijne directly. They demand concrete measures that should not only provide relief in the short term, but also prevent the problems from continuing to recur.
The initiators advocate a general burning ban in Commewijne. They also want rules against smoke nuisance to be clearly laid down in the general local ordinance and compliance with them to be actively monitored.
They also demand sanctions against persons who violate the rules. According to the residents, it is necessary for existing legal provisions to be effectively enforced.
Call for a clean and healthy living environment
The residents stress that clean air and a healthy living environment should be accessible to everyone. With the petition, they hope to gather sufficient support to persuade the district authorities to take structural measures.
‘Everyone has the right to clean air and a healthy living environment’, the initiators state in their appeal, urging others to sign the petition.
The petition is dated October 21, 2026. The document does not indicate how many signatures have been collected so far or whether the petition has already been officially submitted to the districtscommissaris.
