NV. GEBE has placed substantial emphasis on repairing community street lights since the passing of Hurricane Irma. NV GEBE’s Distribution Department is spearheading the initiative to ensure that all street lights are repaired to deter crime and support safe driving.
The initiative to restore street lights remains an ongoing effort for NV GEBE, the primary focus is on main roads with consistent progression to secondary roads. Currently, repairs are taking place in the Cole Bay area. NV GEBE has repaired 2400 street lights and are diligently working on repairing 1800 remaining damaged street lights. It is projected that all street lights will be restored by the end of 2019 mid 2020.
Patrick Drijvers, Assistant Distribution Manager stated: “Our main priority remains the community. As a community-focused organization we understand the important role of working street lights and how they directly contribute to the safety of the St. Maarten community at large.”
NV GEBE has established working partnerships with the Police Force of Sint Maarten and Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure, (VROMI) to collaborate on the placements of the new revolutionary, LED Street Lights equipped with cameras that offer greater visibility, enhanced security and are energy-conscious. The new lights have been ordered and two districts have been determined to initiate the Community Safety Street Lights Pilot Project, after the pilots are installed and tested the project will move full speed ahead throughout the community.