PHILIPSBURG:--- With the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaching, VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr. says the Government is moving aggressively to complete critical flood-mitigation works that could significantly improve drainage during heavy rainfall.
The minister confirmed that installation of the first high-capacity pump at the Sucker Garden Pump Station is now underway, following the equipment's recent arrival on the island.
Testing of the first pump is expected within the next two weeks.
A second pump is scheduled to arrive before the end of July and will be installed at Pond Island near the VROMI Yard, with full installation expected by the end of August.
If the timeline is maintained, both pumps should be fully operational during the height of hurricane season.
The drainage improvements form part of Government's broader hurricane preparedness strategy.
Gumbs also announced that VROMI will soon unveil its national hurricane cleanup campaign, while reminding residents that waste collection schedules have already been published over the past several weeks.
The minister urged residents to properly dispose of bulky household waste—including refrigerators, couches and stoves—rather than dumping it beside public bins or along roadsides.
He emphasized that the public landfill remains free of charge and called on residents to take greater responsibility for maintaining clean neighborhoods ahead of major storms.
Illegal dumping, he warned, creates unnecessary hazards by blocking drainage systems and increasing flood risks during intense rainfall.
"Every effort made means less trash on the side of the road and a cleaner St. Maarten," the minister said.
With hurricane season intensifying, the Government hopes that upgraded pumping capacity, cleaner drainage networks, and increased public cooperation will reduce flooding in vulnerable communities that have repeatedly experienced severe water accumulation during storms.