PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Honorable Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure, Mr. Egbert Doran, hereby wishes to inform the general public of the completion of the drainage project on the Billy Folly Road in Pelican.
Over the years, this area has developed into a popular tourist destination with the establishment of various resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants.
During heavy rainfall, a large pool of water would settle in the area of Atrium Hotel and Baker’s Suites which would force pedestrians to maneuver around the pool of settling water and risked being splashed upon by passing motorists. This situation became a major issue for residents, visitors and business owners alike.
As the Ministry is responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the physical infrastructure of the country, the project was started with the aim to eliminate this major problem with the installing a drainage pipe in front of the Atrium Hotel and connecting this to the existing trench on The Corner Road.
The project which was delayed due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, started on June 15, 2020.
On Friday, August 14, 2020 Minister Doran, accompanied by a support staff, visited the site on the Billy Folly Road, where they met with staff of the Department of Infrastructure Management and the contractor.
Due to the heavy rainfall that preceded the visit, the Minister and those present had a firsthand opportunity to witness that there was no longer any settling of rainwater in the rainwater in the area.
Minister Doran applauded the staff at the Department of Infrastructure Management and the contractor for their diligence in ensuring the completion of this project, as our residents and visitors alike can now safely use the area.
The Minister would like to thank the community at large for their patience in this matter, and assures the public that he remains committed to the people of Sint Maarten and will continue to do everything in his power to remedy situations such as these.
