Updates Residents on European Funding and the Involvement of Young Contractors in Construction Phases
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams went into the Dutch Quarter Community on Tuesday in order to discuss the upgrades to the District as part of the 10th European Development Fund. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams was instrumental, as Territorial Authorizing Officer for St. Maarten, to negotiate for the extension of funds for the upgrading of the district: "We thought it was very necessary to update you on the upgrading plan for Dutch Quarter," commented Wescot-Williams as she gave her opening remarks: "We have been very busy with the upgrading plans for Dutch Quarter and we had some very intense moments in December 2013 when negotiating with the European Union but were relieved when we learned that they decided to grant the funding for the tenth EDF as agreed upon.
"The Government of St. Maarten has decided to continue with the upgrading of the different neighborhoods and so the 10th EDF was specifically focused on the upgrading of Dutch Quarter. Together with the VROMI Ministry the Ministry of General Affairs has to work very closely in ensuring that this project is completed successfully. As Prime Minister I am responsible to the European Union for the accountability of this project and that it is why it is so important for me to come to you and explain what this project is all about. Although the construction phase will more than likely bring along some inconvenience but we also need to emphasize that during that building phase local young contractors and youth from within the district will be employed," concluded the Prime Minister.
The upgrading of the Dutch Quarter District will have various goals and objectives amongst which the improvement of the living conditions of low-income families, poverty reduction and eliminating the introduction of pollution from entering water bodies and coastal areas. The activities of the project will include the upgrading of the main roads and side roads; the upgrading of street lighting; the expansion of the sewer network; and the expansion of pedestrian pathways. Some of the benefits of the project will be an increase in property values; a 75% reduction in wastewater and drainage, the reduction of unpleasant smells, presence of mud and incidences of diarrhea and dengue fever within the district.
The preparation for the Dutch Quarter Sewerage Project, including the reconstruction of the A.Th Illidge road will begin on the 1st of April and the execution of the Dutch Quarter Sewerage project will start on the 1st of January 2015.