Page 19 - AHATA

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LOCAL Thursday 17 december 2020

Aruba Ports Authority N.V. (APA) and Poundwise clarify:
Since purchase Marazul in public bidding, no change in size of the land

ORANJESTAD — In reference to road has been approved by the
the recent media information dis- Stichting Rancho and APA in co-
played to the public regarding the ordination with DOW. It was never
Harbour House Project that is being and is still not the intention of APA
built across the Schoenerhaven, to transfer the administration rights
Aruba Ports Authority N.V. (APA) of the water or the plots to any
and Poundwise Investments and third parties, as such this will remain
Developments VBA (Poundwise), under the administration of APA.
would like to state and clarify the All roads and quays around Har-
following: bour House that are currently pub-
licly accessible, will remain as such.
In May 2017 Poundwise acquired The access to the pier is guaran-
the former Marazul building in a teed at all times for the fishermen,
public auction to develop a resi- including the fishermen of Stichting
dential and commercial building to Rancho. This has been duly com-
be named Harbour House. The plot municated to all interested parties
boundaries, including the parking many times in the past and once ity, while conserving the fishing tive area within the downtown
area, have not changed since the again recently. activities conform our local tra- area for Arubans and visitors
auction. APA has the administra- The total project of beautification dition and culture • Harbour House will constitute
tion rights of the water area and will include a facility at the discre- • Will provide 100 direct jobs in a new place for the entertain-
part of the land areas surrounding tion of the fishermen that will have Harbourwalk shops and Har- ment and enjoyment for locals
Harbour House Building. restrooms and fresh water for the bour House Residences, which and visitors while conserving
In 2017 Poundwise submitted an fishermen. Poundwise will contrib- is a boost to the local economy our culture
area beautification project to APA ute with US$50,000 for this purpose. during these unprecedented • Harbour House is in line with
and respective government au- The enhancement of the Schoen- times government’s intentions to
thorities for their approval. An open erhaven area will ultimately ben- • Will generate additional tax help the revival of city of Oran-
dialog initiated by APA has been efit Aruba in general: revenues for the Government jestad
held between direct related stake- • Eliminate a 17-year-old eyesore of Aruba (GOA) • Will have a positive impact
holders ever since 2017. in the gateway of Aruba • Will be a launch to utilize the on the cruise industry as it will
A boardwalk and replacement of • Keeping the pier as is on its cur- opportunities of Schoener- make the area much more at-
current pavement of the adjacent rent location with a new facil- haven to become an attrac- tractive for cruise tourists.q