The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), with the support of Cupecoy Development N.V., will undertake repairs to the Rolandus Canal in the Suckergarden area. The project is the third public-private partnership initiated by Minister Patrice Gumbs.
The Rolandus Canal is the drainage system running from Defiance to Great Bay along the eastern side of Sint Maarten and is a key part of the island’s stormwater management infrastructure. Over the years, the land surrounding the canal has eroded. This intervention will focus on the stretch of canal in the Suckergarden area.
The repairs will include:
· Fixing the collapsed stretch of King of the Sea Road
· Reinforcing the area around the seven bridges that cross the canal
· Installing and repairing railings
The project is valued at just over USD 750,000 (XCG 1.365 million).
Minister’s Statement
“I want to thank Cupecoy Development N.V. for their willingness to support our efforts to improve infrastructure,” said the Minister. “Upon taking office, I defined sustainable development as development that is, among other things, inclusive. Development and developers should move beyond the footprint of their projects and leave a mark on the wider Sint Maarten population.”
The Minister approached Cupecoy Development N.V. earlier this year about the condition of the Rolandus Canal, which posed both a challenge to the canal’s function and a safety risk to residents of Suckergarden.
“Today, I am proud to see this project materializing, offering a very tangible and direct return to the people,” the Minister said. “I also want to thank the people of Suckergarden for their patience. I know it has been some months of WhatsApp calls, messages, and even legal letters to the Ministry.”
The Minister added: “My commitment is always there, but with limited finances, the steps toward the Sint Maarten we want are not always clear. Public-private partnerships have been key in addressing many of the longstanding matters we face.”
Project Timeline
Works are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12th and will be carried out by a local contractor. In the coming days, work schedules and alternate routes will be published. Should there be any changes, the Ministry will inform all residents.
