(Oranjestad)—The water tanks monument site at Kibaima will now be repurposed as a learning center for the Aruba National Archives (ANA). This is what Monumentsfund Aruba (SMFA) announced Wednesday during the official transferring ceremony held at the historic site in Balashi. SMFA and the Aruban government also signed a collaboration agreement for the restoration of the monument. The restoration of Kibaima forms part of SMFA ongoing project to revitalize worn-down monuments in an effort to conserve Aruban history and heritage.
The plan to repurpose the site was a process that began a few years ago when, together with Dutch restoration company BOEi and several students from Hogeschool Rotterdam, SMFA conducted an investigation on ways to give the site a new function. Once ANA approached the foundation, plans for a learning and heritage center started taking shape.
As the SMFA explains in a recently published press release, ANA was looking for a new location to function as a center for investigation, education, documentation and preservation of Aruban heritage. Established in 1994, the Aruba National Archives houses thousands of historical archives—ranging from official documents to videos and cassettes—and is the official record keeper of the island. With the transferring and restoration of the Kibaima site, SMFA has now designated the newly acquired monument as an active historical facility that will soon be in service to the Aruban community.
History of the Kibaima water tanks
The water structure at Kibaima is a key aspect in the history of how water was distributed on the island. The tanks, standing at 50 meters above sea level, was designed by Dutch architect Pieter van Stuivenberg and played a vital part in distributing drinkable water to the supply system in Oranjestad and San Nicolas. Pieter van Stuivenberg was also responsible for designing the historic water towers in both districts.
For decades, the Kibaima site provided the basic needs of the Aruban community. After many years of abandonment, it will now have another important task—facilitate the history and culture of Aruba.
SMFA confirmed that the restoration of the monument site will happen in phases, with the first already underway. It’s been estimated that restoration will be completed by the end of 2029.
Pictures courtesy of Monumensfund Aruba (SMFA).
