Aruba’s historic Kibaima water reservoirs are set to be restored and reused as a knowledge and heritage center for the National Archives of Aruba.
The Government of Aruba and Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba signed the site transfer and a cooperation agreement on September 16. The project will preserve an important part of the island’s water infrastructure while giving the structures a new public purpose.
Historic water infrastructure gets a new use
The first two reservoirs were built in 1931 and 1932 as part of Aruba’s modern drinking-water system. Two additional tanks followed in 1941 and 1942. Monumentenfonds identifies the structures as historically, architecturally and technically important evidence of the island’s water-distribution development.
Reusing the reservoirs avoids losing this industrial heritage and demonstrates how existing structures can support new community needs. Once restored, the site is intended to provide space for research, education, documentation, conservation and presentations about Aruba’s history.
Restoration planned in phases
Project leader Jennilee Schotborgh will guide the work for Monumentenfonds. The phased project is planned through 2029. Requirements for the National Archives are being studied, after which a specialist design team and contractor are expected to be selected.
This article is based on reporting by ArubaNews.ca, which attributed the original information to AWE24.