Minister of Justice, Mr. Drs. Arthur Dowers, together with a team from the Police Force of Aruba (KPA), the City Inspector’s Bureau, and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP), conducted a site visit to the former police station in Wilhelminastraat to assess the current situation after the building had been invaded by homeless addicts.
It is well known that for several years the main police building in Wilhelminastraat suffered from severe mold problems. Once conditions inside became practically impossible to work in, several KPA departments were relocated to other facilities, including the former DIMAS building. In 2023, KPA Oranjestad was moved into a new building near the Paardenbaaistraat roundabout.
Meanwhile, the old building, which for many years had served as the center of justice, deteriorated and effectively became a shelter for homeless addicts. On several occasions, the Fire Department had to extinguish fires started by addicts inside the premises, posing a serious risk to surrounding buildings if such fires were to spread.
For this reason, Minister Dowers decided that enough is enough. Together with other agencies, the decision has been made to seal off the building hermetically to prevent further entry by addicts. Cleaning works will be carried out, and all possible entrances will be closed with cement and blocks, bringing relief to the surrounding neighborhood.
The issue of homeless addicts remains a serious challenge that requires urgent attention. Minister Dowers has committed to working together with his fellow ministers to find structural solutions and bring relief. He emphasized that the solution to homelessness and addiction is not a “quick fix,” but requires long-term commitment and collaboration among all relevant institutions.
Press release: Government of Aruba
