courtesy of: Aruba-Daily News
A familiar sight for more than half a century on the Oranjestad Wharf is about to disappear. The process of the dismantling of the water tanks in the area at the entrance of the Oranjestad Wharf is underway.
Contractors began the dismantling process while Minister of the Environment looked on. One of the four tanks will remain on the premises to supply water to the hotels. The existing walled fence will be moved back slightly to create a little more space for the tram project.
It is planned that the tram will turn around at this area to pick up cruise tourists who arrive on the cruise ships and who want to tour the downtown area. According to Minister Sievinger, the entire area will be developed to create space for taxis and tour buses to collect visitors to the island.
It is expected that the dismantling will be completed quickly so that the area can be developed in time for the arrival of the tram, which is expected to be inaugurated in December.
Government advisers are diligently working on a plan for a smooth flow of the traffic, especially for traffic entering the main road. They have also contemplated placing a roundabout in front of the former DOW complex. The complex is slated to become the new Census Bureau. At the back of this building a four story parking garage is being planned.
The main road in front of the Wharf will be renovated. According to the government, this work has already been delegated. The work of renovating this entire road has not begun as yet in view of other work being undertaken round and about the center of the city. This work is causing much disturbance to traffic and to our chauffeurs. In the upcoming days advertisements will be published requesting offers for the decorations of the areas in the main street. These decorations will entail everything except for the rails for the tram.
