On Tuesday afternoon, Minister of Justice Mr. Drs. Arthur Dowers, together with a team from the Police Corps, the City Inspector’s Office, and the DIP, visited the former police station on Wilhelminastraat to assess its current condition after it had been occupied by homeless addicts.
For several years, the main police building on Wilhelminastraat had serious mold issues, making it nearly impossible for staff to work there. As a result, various KPA departments were relocated to another facility, previously occupied by DIMAS. In 2023, KPA Oranjestad officially moved into its new building near the Paardenbaaistraat roundabout.
Meanwhile, the old structure—once a key center for justice—had deteriorated and become a shelter for addicts. On several occasions, the Fire Department had to extinguish fires started by individuals inside, posing a major safety risk to nearby properties.
Due to this ongoing threat, Minister Dowers decided it was time to take firm action. Together with relevant authorities, he ordered the building to be hermetically sealed to prevent further entry. Cleanup operations will follow, and all possible access points will be closed off with cement and blocks to restore safety for the surrounding neighborhood.
Minister Dowers emphasized that homelessness and addiction remain serious social challenges requiring structured, long-term solutions. He committed to working with fellow ministers and relevant agencies to address the issue in a sustainable way, acknowledging that there is no “quick fix.”
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/minister-dowers-a-laga-cera-ex-edificio-di-polis-den-wilhelminastraat-hermeticamente
