ORANJESTAD (AAN): Minister of Tourism Wendrick Cicilia has approved funding for a major renovation of rogers beach renovation in San Nicolas, marking a shift in government priorities toward upgrading Aruba’s tourism infrastructure after years of neglect.
Working Alongside The Aruba Tourism
Working alongside the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), the new administration compiled a priority list of long-overdue maintenance projects. The Rodger’s Beach renovation emerged as a top concern for both residents and visitors. The beach serves as an important recreational site for the local community and tourists, offering swimming, relaxation, and leisure activities. Its pier and diving platform are iconic features of the area.
Years of exposure to harsh weather conditions and the marine environment caused gradual deterioration of the pier and diving platform. Minister Cicilia approved a budget for general maintenance and restoration focusing on these structures. The project will reinforce the diving platform to improve its durability in the marine environment, ensuring both residents and visitors can continue enjoying Rodger’s Beach safely.
The existing facility building has deteriorated beyond repair and will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. Construction began this week, with an estimated timeline of approximately 60 working days. The surrounding area will feature plantings of native Seagrape (Cocoloba Uvifera) trees, a coastal species well-adapted to the environment that supports responsible land management practices while preserving the area’s natural character.
Minister Cicilia attributed the extensive
The Existing Facility Building Has
backlog to nearly eight years of misaligned priorities under the previous government, during which tourist attractions were left without proper maintenance. Even small facilities built during the prior administration have reportedly fallen into disrepair due to the same lack of ongoing upkeep.
“It is very easy to say you want to elevate the quality of visitors coming to our island, without having proper management to guarantee that we exceed every visitor’s expectations,” Minister Cicilia stated. “Our job is not just to bring them here, but to ensure that when they are here they are satisfied and planning to return. Sufficient funding has now been allocated to address everything that fell behind during those nearly eight years of poor management and wrong priorities.
