PHILIPSBURG:--- During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, Patrice Gumbs Jr., Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), provided a comprehensive update on several critical projects aimed at improving Sint Maarten's infrastructure and quality of life. The Minister addressed topics ranging from new housing developments and wastewater management to long-term solutions for the island's persistent traffic and waste issues.
New Housing and Cemetery Development in Belvedere
A significant announcement was the finalization of the national housing policy and the purchase of the "Belvedere remainder" property. This land acquisition paves the way for new public housing initiatives. As part of this large-scale development, a new cemetery is also planned for the area.
Responding to questions about community impact, Minister Gumbs clarified that the cemetery will be located on an adjacent property to the existing Belvedere housing development, not within it. He assured the public that the project would adhere to strict zoning and environmental guidelines. "In the whole development of the master plan, public consultation will be part and parcel of what that will look like for everybody in that area," Gumbs stated, emphasizing that community buy-in and engagement are crucial for the project's success.
Major Wastewater Project for Cul de Sac Basin
Minister Gumbs also highlighted the upcoming Sint Maarten Wastewater Treatment Project, a $25 million initiative focused on the Dutch Cul-de-Sac area. The project aims to introduce a public sewage network, establish household connections, and upgrade the capacity of the current wastewater treatment plant.
When questioned about the ministry's capacity to handle such a large-scale project, the Minister expressed confidence. He noted that VROMI has prior experience with sewage projects and possesses significant in-house expertise. The project will also benefit from the strengthened monitoring and oversight mechanisms provided by the World Bank. He confirmed that a public tender for the main construction work will be issued to a third-party contractor.
Addressing concerns about flooding in the Cul de Sac Basin, which experienced significant issues in October, Gumbs explained that this project presents an opportunity for integrated solutions. "We're also looking at how, at the same time, when we're going to be digging into the road... we can actually improve the capacity of the drainage system in that area," he said.
A public consultation is scheduled for the evening of December 10th at the Belair Community Center to inform residents and coordinate with other utility companies, ensuring that all necessary underground work can be done simultaneously to minimize public inconvenience. The project is projected to begin interventions in late 2026 with an estimated completion time of 18 months.
A Focus on Sustainable Development and Community Engagement
Throughout the briefing, Minister Gumbs reiterated his commitment to sustainable development. He defined this not as halting growth, but as thoughtfully considering long-term impacts, such as drainage and community needs, during the planning process. Whether discussing the new housing in Belvedere or the wastewater project in Cul de Sac, the Minister underscored the importance of public engagement to ensure that the government's vision aligns with the community's needs and well-being. These projects represent a significant step forward in the government's efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure for Sint Maarten.