Aruba’s historic Kibaima water tanks heritage center project has advanced with the transfer of the site and a cooperation agreement for its restoration.
Government and Monumentenfonds sign agreements
The Government of Aruba and Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba signed the transfer of the Kibaima water tanks on September 16, together with a cooperation agreement for the restoration project. After restoration, the industrial monument is planned to serve as a knowledge and heritage center for the National Archives of Aruba.
The plan grew from research begun before 2020 by Monumentenfonds, the Dutch organization BOEi and students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. A defined use emerged after the National Archives sought a new location.
Center planned for research and education
The proposed center is intended to provide space for research, education, documentation, conservation and presentations about Aruba’s history and heritage. Project leader Jennilee Schotborgh will guide the restoration for Monumentenfonds.
The work is planned in phases through 2029. Requirements for the National Archives are already being studied. A later phase will select a specialist design team, including architectural, construction and restoration expertise, followed by selection of a contractor.
Reservoirs date to the 1930s and 1940s
The first two Kibaima reservoirs were built in 1931 and 1932 as part of Aruba’s modern drinking-water system. Two more were added in 1941 and 1942. Monumentenfonds describes the structures as historically, architecturally and technically important evidence of the island’s water-distribution development.
Source: AWE24.
