It will ensure a reliable water supply in the northern area.
On December 8, the ‘final taking over ceremony’ for the new Alto Vista water tank took place. The minister responsible for energy, Arthur Dowers, together with the CEO of WEB Aruba and the CEO of project partner Florida Aqua Store, opened the main valves allowing water to flow from the tank into Aruba’s water distribution network. The new Alto Vista tank project is part of WEB’s ‘Upgrade Aruba Water Distribution Network’ project, a major initiative involving the renovation of tanks, pumps, and pipelines around the island, as well as upgrades within WEB’s plant. Replacing the old water tank was necessary to continue supplying high-quality drinking water to the Noord area, both now and in the future.
Construction of the new Alto Vista water tank was not easy and took longer than planned. During his speech, CEO Alfredo Koolman explained that the progress made in 2024 to erect the tank was very impressive. However, when the tank was ready to be filled, it began to experience leakage. This was due to a defect in the concrete foundation. After considerable deliberation, it was decided to replace the concrete foundation with a proven steel-based technique. Once that decision was made, excellent teamwork between the project teams and the water distribution department ensured the tank could finally be completed and put into operation.
The new tank is made of sustainable glass-fused-to-steel material and has a capacity of 18,800 m³ (6,500 m³ more than the old one). In November 2022, WEB began dismantling the old water tank. This was carried out successfully and was followed by preparations for the construction of the new tank.
During the ceremony, the residents of Alto Vista were thanked for their cooperation and understanding regarding the inconveniences caused by the project. As a sign of appreciation and to celebrate the project’s completion, WEB donated a free water connection to the Alto Vista Chapel to facilitate its restroom facilities.
As part of the Upgrade Aruba Water Distribution Network, the tanks in Jaburibari and Urataka will also be replaced with new ones, and a new tank will be built in Juana Morto. When the time comes, residents of these neighborhoods will be informed accordingly.
