The official handover ceremony for the newly restored historic building at Zoutmanstraat 1 recently took place. Prime Minister Mike Eman, together with the Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Management, Mervin Wyatt-Ras, formally received the beautifully renovated property.
Prime Minister Eman expressed his delight in seeing the Directie Ouderenzaken (Department of Elderly Affairs) become the new occupants of this historic site, which holds great importance in Aruba’s history. Fort Zoutman was one of Aruba’s first administrative offices, serving as the hub for Customs, Police, Civil Registration, and even Court and Parliament in earlier times. As the island modernized, the administrative offices were later moved to the building at Zoutmanstraat 1.
Now, the restored building will be home to the Department of Elderly Affairs—reflecting the respect and value placed on Aruba’s senior citizens and those who work to support them.
The Monumentenbureau guided the entire restoration process from start to finish. Prime Minister Eman extended words of appreciation to everyone involved in the project, particularly those responsible for ensuring the building maintained its authentic architectural character.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/renobacion-di-edificio-historico-na-zoutmanstraat-a-keda-cla
