Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Bonaire’s Lighthouses to Receive Facelifts

Lighthouses have always performed an important role in maritime communities, warning those at sea of close contact to land or shallow reefs.  Bonaire has five lighthouses, although not all are well known.  There is a new effort by Bonaire’s governments to renovate these historic landmarks.

The Rijkswaterstaat will immediately begin work to renovate Bonaire’s five lighthouses, which are located at Willemstoren, Spelonk, Wecuwa, Seru Bentana, and Klein Bonaire.  While this work has the goal of increased safety for those people who maintain the lighthouses, the monumental character of the buildings will also be protected. It’s estimated that the work will take about a year to complete.

Since October 10, 2010, the Rijkswaterstaat has been responsible for keeping the light burning in the lighthouses, figuratively speaking, as electro-technical maintenance is utilized. During the renovations of the lighthouses, the lights will remain operational, so vessels will not be hindered.  The public body of Bonaire actually owns the buildings and structures, and these are considered historic monuments.  During the renovations, the work will be done in such a way as to preserve that monument status and all historic and ancient elements that need replacement will be brought to Bonaire.  The island is still searching for a suitable location for the old lamp of the lighthouse at Seru Bentana.  (Source:  Rijksdienst and Public Body Bonaire)