PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce progress on two projects, the first being the project to strengthen utility infrastructure and the second being the Private-Public Partnership to rehabilitate Billy Folly Road (Pelican). The Utility Infrastructure Project follows from the agreement signed in May by VROMI, NRPB, and GEBE to the tune of USD$5.1 million dollars to introduce electrical cables and drinking water pipes in Cole Bay, South Reward, Pointe Blanche, and A.T. Illidge Road (area of Madame Estate, Middle Region, and Dutch Quarter). Minister of VROMI Mr. Patrice Gumbs was on site on Friday at the intersection of A.T. Illidge Road and Gibbs Drive to inspect the works with the team from the Infrastructure Department.
The Ministry initiated hard surfacing of Gibbs Drive as part of the program in February 2024. Works were stopped following protests from residents related to a dispute by heirs on ownership of a parcel of land for the proposed bypass to Richardson Drive. Since then, road conditions have continued to deteriorate, prompting residents to approach the Government to intervene. The Ministry is currently in discussions with the heirs to come to a resolution to allow the Government to fulfill their promise to repair the road. In the interim, once the cabling and piping is completed, the Ministry of VROMI will grade Gibbs Drive until the restart of the hard-surfacing project. This will offer temporary relief by improving accessibility for the residents.
Last month, the Ministry announced a Private-Public Partnership with the business establishments in the area. At the time of publication, a total of USD$496,500 was raised by Simpsonbay Resort, Flamingo Hilton, The Atrium, La Vista, Simpsonbay Suites, Baker Suites, Market Garden, SMTA, Hollywood Casino, Splash Jewelry, Aquamania, Tepui Residences, Dollar Thrifty, Buccaneers Beach Bar, Peli Deli, and Sunset Spa. The Government contributed USD$94,000 to this initiative. The Minister, the Department of Infrastructure, and representatives of Windward Roads were on site to inspect the works. The project includes the introduction of much needed sidewalks, upgrading the concrete subsurface, and the introduction of an asphalt layer. In addition, the long-standing issue of water settling on the road (drainage), will be addressed.
“Windward Roads is proud to be part of this important project, made possible through the hard work and cooperation between the public and private sectors. Together, we are upgrading Billy Folly Road to enhance the infrastructure for the people of St. Maarten and for our visitors. We look forward to many more collaborations in the future and hope to continue contributing to the island’s development”, stated Michiel Witteveen of Winward Roads.
VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs stated that “this project exemplifies the Public-Private Partnership model outlined in the Governing Program as vital for Sint Maarten's future development. The realization of this infrastructure improvement has been made possible through the generous support of local businesses and stakeholders who have demonstrated exceptional corporate social responsibility, and for that we are extremely thankful”.
Similar public-private partnership initiatives are currently being negotiated for other infrastructure projects, and the development of a framework to regulate partnerships going forward is in the final stages; to be shared with the public within the coming weeks.
The Ministry thanks the public for their patience, recognizing that proper public works take time, adequate financing, and planning to ensure quality infrastructure.
