GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) reports continued advancement on two major initiatives: the island-wide utility infrastructure upgrade and the public-private partnership to restore Billy Folly Road in Pelican.
The Utility Infrastructure Project, funded through a USD 5.1 million agreement signed in May between VROMI, NRPB and GEBE, aims to install new electrical cabling and drinking water lines in Cole Bay, South Reward, Pointe Blanche and A.T. Illidge Road, including the Madame Estate, Middle Region and Dutch Quarter areas. Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs visited the intersection of A.T. Illidge Road and Gibbs Drive on Friday to review the ongoing works with the Infrastructure Department.
Hard surfacing of Gibbs Drive began in February 2024 but was paused following resident concerns related to an ownership dispute over land proposed for a bypass to Richardson Drive. With road conditions worsening, residents approached the Government for relief. VROMI is now engaged with the heirs to settle the matter so the full road upgrade can resume. In the meantime, once underground cabling and piping are finished, the Ministry will grade Gibbs Drive to improve access until resurfacing restarts.
In October, VROMI announced that several Pelican-area businesses had joined the Government in a public-private partnership to rehabilitate Billy Folly Road. To date, participating establishments have contributed USD 496,500, with the Government allocating an additional USD 94,000. The Minister, Infrastructure Department and Windward Roads representatives recently visited the site to review the progress. The project will deliver new sidewalks, upgraded concrete foundations and a fresh asphalt layer, while also solving the long-standing issue of drainage and standing water along the roadway.
“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,” said Michiel Witteveen of Windward Roads.
Minister Gumbs noted that the initiative reflects the Government’s Governing Program, which highlights public-private partnerships as key to St. Maarten’s development. He thanked the contributing businesses for their commitment and corporate social responsibility. Similar collaborations are being arranged for other projects, and a standardized framework for such partnerships will be released to the public soon.
The Ministry extended its appreciation to the community for its patience, emphasizing that quality public works require careful planning, adequate funding and time to execute properly.
https://tribune-site.webflow.io//articles/vromi-reports-steady-progress-on-utility-works-and-billy-folly-road-rehabilitation
