The main activities of the overall 10th EDF intervention on St. Maarten are centered around various improvements in the Dutch Quarter district including the placement of public street lighting and related works, the construction of pedestrian pathways, the expansion of the sewer network, including home connections and connection to the existing main sewer line, and the construction of a 1000 m3 drinking water tank. Based on the conducted research, sewerage is considered one of the major issues on the island.

 

The 10th EDF, through the planning procedure conducted by government, will also seek to reduce flooding leading to pollution down hill from poor infrastructure-equipped upper areas towards the densely populated areas. The proposed intervention has direct impact on poverty reduction and is line with a comprehensive strategic action of the Government summarized in the Sewage Master Plan 2006-2016.

 

The result of the project will directly benefit the deprived areas of Dutch Quarter through better collection and treatment of the storm and wastewater and as such will have a very positive impact on the health situation in the neighborhood. Lack of sufficient sewage infrastructure has become a critical issue, leading to the deterioration in the quality of surface and coastal waters for recreational purposes and adversely affecting the quality of life for the residents on the island. Within the governing program for St. Maarten, the improvement of the socially deprived districts with special attention to sanitation, drainage and wastewater treatment is of high priority.

 

The ultimate objective of the 10th EDF is to improve the living conditions of low-income residents and reduce poverty on St. Maarten. Furthermore, this project is aimed at eliminating pollution in the form of nutrients and pathogens to the surface water bodies and coastal areas to keep them pristine for use by both tourists and residents alike.

 

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams will attend the signing of the 10th EDF on Monday at the De Weever property in Dutch Quarter together with other Kingdom Partners.

 

Source: sxmislandtime.com