Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is very pleased with his ministries pro-active preparations taken on Friday afternoon due to inclement weather that is east of the Caribbean island chain.
According to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), an upper level feature weather system combined with available moisture at the lower levels of the atmosphere is increasing instability across the Caribbean region.In MDS 6.00pm Friday, November 21 forecast up until Saturday 6.00pm, November 22, cloudy skies with periods of showers and a risk of thunder can be expected during this forecast period.
Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution as flooding is likely with additional showers.
On Monday at 2.00pm a meeting was held with contractor Windward Roads regarding the floodgate works at the A.Th. Illidge Road which were to commence on Friday night. Preparations have been taken that water can flow from the Fresh Water Pond into the Salt Pond should the need arise.
Heavy equipment was brought in at 3.00pm on Friday afternoon at the Great Bay beach next to the Fresh Water Pond canal. Preparations have been made to open the beach channel in the event of a lot of rainfall.
Two of the three storm water pumps are on standby and ready to be activated in the event of heavy rainfall.
Heavy equipment operators have also been mobilized and are on standby in the event that they are needed.
In the wake of the recent torrential rainfall event last weekend and Hurricane Gonzalo mid-October, Minister Lake said on Friday that proactive preparations are necessary in order to manage the water flow in the event of heavy rainfall.