WILLEMSTAD – The Monument Care Foundation of Curaçao (Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao) has requested the temporary closure of parts of Gasthuisstraat, Bajonetsteeg (between Gasthuisstraat and Spaansesteeg), and the end section of Spaansesteeg in the Rif area of Otrobanda, citing safety concerns. 

The precautionary measure comes in response to the deteriorating condition of a historic building’s facade, which has worsened significantly due to recent heavy rainfall. Although emergency restoration was already scheduled, the repairs will now be prioritized and begin at the end of July. 

Starting Tuesday, scaffolding will be erected around the affected building, and construction fences will be placed in Gasthuisstraat to secure the area. 

The structure is part of a broader restoration project, which includes two neighboring properties, among them the iconic Villa Malakoff. 

The foundation apologizes for any inconvenience and strongly urges residents and pedestrians to avoid the closed-off area for their own safety. “Please do not take unnecessary risks,” the organization emphasized.