The restoration work on the historic Willem III Tower at Fort Zoutman is progressing on schedule. This was confirmed by Raul Gei from the Department of Monuments (Monumentenbureau), who indicated that the project is progressing satisfactorily and that the various phases are being executed in accordance with the established planning.
According to Gei, the team continues to carefully monitor the work to ensure that the restoration meets the technical and historical criteria that a monument of this importance demands. “The process is going well and we are satisfied with the progress. Everything is following the correct path,” he explained.
During the restoration, some additional elements requiring attention also came to light. One of them is the exterior ring base (ringbak) of the tower, which, after inspection, turned out to be in a more serious state of deterioration than anticipated. The Department of Monuments is in the process of requesting bids for the restoration and replacement of this component to subsequently integrate it into the project.
Although this additional element may require some extra work, Gei emphasized that it does not significantly affect the overall planning. The expectation is that the main restoration of the tower can be completed between late October and late November, bringing forward the initial projection that pointed to the end of the year or early 2027.
The restoration of the Willem III Tower at Fort Zoutman forms part of the Government of Aruba’s broader vision to preserve and strengthen our island’s historical heritage. The project not only conserves one of Aruba’s most emblematic monuments, but also contributes to the maintenance of our cultural identity and national heritage for future generations.
In his role as Prime Minister, Mike Eman has made the preservation of historical and cultural heritage a priority for his cabinet. Over the past period, the Government of Aruba has driven various initiatives to protect and highlight our national monuments, including the preservation of buildings in San Nicolas such as the Emanuel Chapel (Kapel Emanuel) and the church on Bernhardstraat (Misa na Bernhardstraat), as well as historic houses in Alto Vista and soon in Brasil with the installation of the Protected Monument Seal (Seyo di Monumento Protegi), which officially identifies and recognizes monuments that hold a unique historical and cultural value for Aruba.
These works confirm the Government’s commitment to caring for and preserving Aruba’s historical heritage. Through collaboration with owners, foundations, experts, and other partners, the Government continues to invest in monuments that tell the story of our people and strengthen our identity as a country. The goal is for future generations to know, appreciate, and continue building upon the unique heritage that Aruba has received.
