Minister, two years ago, you announced a project focused on the renewal of downtown Oranjestad, including improvements in lighting, beautification, and security. When we met at that time, you mentioned that the government lacked the funds to proceed.
It seems that the current renovation efforts in Oranjestad are being driven by a group of investors, Renovación Aruba; who are focusing on public easements granted by the government in areas where they own properties.
However, I have invested a significant amount in one of the most vulnerable areas of Aruba, J.G. Emanstraat and Elleboogstraat, where we have achieved an admirable transformation.
(The successful Aruba Experience Café)
Despite this, we face severe challenges: There is no proper lighting, drug-addicted individuals and criminals are taking over, and I’ve witnessed alarming incidents, including assaults and theft. The garbage situation is also dire. Cleaning by the government is almost non-existent, but it is extra necessary because of the litter left on the streets by the drug addicts and the roads and pavements are in a very bad condition.
In some places the pavement completely disappeared.
It is left to the entrepreneurs to make the necessary repairs and cleaning. Although these issues are critical, the government’s promotion of renovation projects seems to overlook our area.
If the government lacks funds and beautification relies only on other investors focused on public easements, I have to think back about my investment, and ask, what specific support can J.G. Emanstraat count on?
How can we ensure that improvements in lighting, security, cleanliness, roads/pavements and investment incentives, are equally distributed across all of Oranjestad, including our neglected area?
Dear Minister: J.G. Emanstraat is a key commute and parking area for residents and tourist working/ exploring downtown. This area operates during the day. The daytime economy in this area consists of stores, cafés, groceries, lawyers’ offices, small hotels, and locals on errands— this is different from the evening economy, but both types of activities sustain each other.
One gives continuity to the other, serving distinct but complementary purposes.
In the morning all of us working in this area and all visitors are met with filth, garbage, drug-addicted individuals, and often witness obscene or aggressive acts.
Every day we hope that these individuals are not under the influence, as our morning could either start pleasantly or be ruined by unpleasant encounters.
Driving down this street, one can see the neglect, yet this is the second main artery to the center leading to Wilhelminastraat.
Additionally, the Courts are located here, making this the first impression people get in the morning.
J.G Emanstraat serves as a business hub, yet it is Rancho that saw the beginning of Aruba’s commercial history.
And perhaps it was easier to destroy, wipe out, rather than take actions against criminal activities.
Rancho sees daytime activity, and because this area holds historical significance, it deserves to be maintained in pristine condition and protected. Part of this is the responsibility of the local entrepreneurs. The other part is the responsibility of the government.
Wilhelminastraat see the main flux of people after 5pm, and its needs are similar but different.
For both areas, this is why we pay taxes: To have proper roads, to find a solution for the addiction challenger, do our best to have a clean city. We have the right to this government services and investments. And I kindly ask you to give it to us, so that we can focus on what we do best: provide excellent service in a safe and clean environment to locals and visitors.
Is Aruba on beautified in visitors’ areas?
What about us?
We deserve some care and attention too.
