Historic Kibaima water tanks to become home of National Archives

ORANJESTAD — The historic water tanks at Kibaima are set to receive a new purpose as the future home of the National Archives of Aruba and as a center for knowledge and heritage.

During an official ceremony, the Country of Aruba and Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba signed a long-lease agreement and a cooperation agreement, marking the next step in the restoration and reuse of the monuments.

Prime Minister Mike Eman, who is also responsible for Culture, emphasized the historical and symbolic importance of the project. The tanks, which nearly a century ago formed part of Aruba’s water-supply infrastructure, will now help preserve the island’s collective memory and knowledge.

“It connects us with the history of who we are and where we came from,” Eman said.

National Archives Director Raymond Hernandez said that after roughly 30 years of searching for a suitable location, Kibaima could finally provide the facilities needed to preserve documents, photographs, video, audio, maps, books and other historic material.

The vision is for the site to become an accessible knowledge and heritage center for the community, schools, students, teachers and researchers.

Minister Rene Herdé said the project gives the monument a second life, while Monumentenfonds Director Petra Davis explained that restoration will take place in phases, with attention to both the historic value of the structures and the requirements of a modern archive facility.

The Dutch government is providing financial support for the project.

With the agreements now signed, Kibaima is moving from a place that once preserved water to one that will preserve Aruba’s history, memory and knowledge for future generations.