“Stop thinking and start moving.” With these words, Rajiv Makhanlal, Director of Warrior Fit Movement, announced the first project of the Safe Exercise Zone on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Dr. Sophie Redmond Street. It is an initiative whereby part of the road is cleared of traffic every Sunday between 8am and 10am and available for those who wish to move.
Minutes before Makkhalal’s call, President Santoki had officially started the project.
The head of state, who has also been involved for a while, describes the project as one of several initiatives the government has in the pipeline to make society healthier. He stated that “health units” will be established in all neighborhoods to educate residents about a healthy lifestyle and teach them a “healthy lifestyle.”
The kickoff was around 8:00 in the morning. The stretch of road between the roundabout and Van Idsingastraat is closed to vehicular traffic between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM. This will be the case every Sunday until those wishing to relocate have the opportunity to do so in a safe area.
The Safe Exercise Zone project is an initiative of the Ministries of Health, Regional Development and Sports (ROS) and the Commissioner for the North East Paramaribo Region. The intent is to encourage the people of Suriname to exercise more. The attendees welcomed this initiative and made some suggestions to make the project better.