Merere owner Susanita La Bella says Oranjestad permit delays and licence restrictions have stalled her downtown investment after years of work.
In comments reported by EA News, La Bella said the Merere project has remained closed while awaiting a building permit process that began in 2021. She said millions of florins have been invested in the project and argued that the delays conflict with government appeals for private investment in Oranjestad’s revitalization.
Licence conditions raise financing concerns
La Bella said conditions attached to the project’s licence exclude short-term tourist rentals, condominium construction and converting existing downtown buildings for those uses. She argued that restrictions of that kind can make bank financing harder to secure for costly restoration projects.
Her criticism was directed at Economic Affairs Minister Geoffrey Wever, whom she said was familiar with the case before becoming minister. The report presents La Bella’s account; it does not include a government response to her specific allegations.
Merere project remains paused
La Bella described Merere as a proposed cultural city square intended to highlight Aruban identity. She said the venue cannot open without the required building approval and may remain closed if the permit issue is not resolved.
She also called for revitalization policy to address a broader area than Wilhelminastraat, naming Kerkstraat and several other downtown neighbourhoods as places that need public maintenance, safety measures and investment support.
Source: EA News Aruba
