PHILIPSBURG — Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs Jr. announced several infrastructure initiatives on Wednesday, including a major drainage project tender, ongoing nationwide road repairs, and plans to rehabilitate sections of the Ring Road.
During the Council of Ministers press briefing, Gumbs confirmed that the Ministry will officially launch a public bid this Friday, May 22, for the design, preparation, and construction management of a drainage system stretching from Cole Bay Union Road to the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
According to the minister, the project is aimed at minimizing flooding and improving public safety during heavy rainfall by directing runoff water into drainage channels leading toward the lagoon.
“The aim of the project is to minimize flooding in the surrounding areas and create a safe zone for motorists, pedestrians, and residents during heavy rainfall,” Gumbs stated.
An information session for interested bidders is scheduled for June 22 at 10:00 a.m., while questions regarding the bid process must be submitted by June 29. Final bids must be submitted through the Mercel platform.
Road Repairs Continue Island-Wide
The minister also announced that road repair works officially commenced last week, beginning near the airport and moving west toward Philipsburg.
This week’s work is being carried out daily between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and includes several districts across the island.
Areas scheduled for repairs include A.T. Illidge Road, Madame Estate, Mount William Hill, Dutch Quarter, Belvedere, Bishop Hill, Cole Bay Hill, Link One, Octavius Richardson Road, Little Bay Road, and sections of Down Street in Philipsburg.
Motorists were urged to plan ahead for traffic delays and to drive carefully around work crews.
Ring Road Rehabilitation Begins
Gumbs further revealed that the Ministry is moving forward with plans to rehabilitate the Ring Road as part of broader efforts to improve traffic flow and mobility on the island.
Originally designed as a bypass route, the Ring Road has become overgrown and largely unusable over the years.
“The Ministry is undertaking initial site surveys of the entirety of the Ring Road with the express intent to put the road functional once again,” he explained.
Beginning this weekend, VROMI crews will start clearing and leveling the stretch from the traffic lights to the Lion’s Club roundabout on A.T. Illidge Road. Work will continue next week toward Arch Road and adjoining areas.
The minister also warned individuals illegally occupying land along sections of the Ring Road to remove materials from the area.
At the same time, he cautioned residents against using the cleared areas for illegal dumping.
“It is an effort to support mobility and traffic flow, especially as a service route for emergency and first responders,” he said.
Government Launches Sargassum Impact Survey
Additionally, the Ministry has commissioned the Nature Foundation St. Maarten to conduct a public survey examining the impact of sargassum seaweed on residents, businesses, and tourists.
The survey will assess the health, social, and economic consequences associated with sargassum accumulation along the island’s coastlines and help government develop a long-term management strategy.
“The survey will help us stop reacting and start planning,” Gumbs said, encouraging residents and businesses to participate.