News that one of the pumps to manage water levels in the Great Salt Pond had been repaired (see Tuesday newspaper) was most welcome, especially at the start of the usually busiest part of the Atlantic hurricane season in August and September. Many readers will no doubt remember how at one point the Fire Department to alleviate flooding had to use their hoses, run them across the street near Sucker Garden and place road construction material over them so cars could continue to pass on top.
Even better news is that work has reportedly started to also fix the second broken pump as well as to rebuild the damaged platform and supporting infrastructure. According to caretaker Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planing, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs this will enhance the system’s resilience and ensure reliable flood management
The mention of delays in the procurement process for new pumps does raise questions. Considering St. Maarten’s proven susceptibility to tropical cyclones, one would like to think such a project is top priority for all involved.
The minister said he had initiated discussions with the Dutch government to reclaim a 2.3-million-euro subsidy to support these efforts. Does that mean the money had already been lost?
If the new pumps are still being purchased there may eventually be some overcapacity. However, experience has shown that a bit of reserve is no great luxury.
An added benefit could be that it might less often become necessary to open the Great Bay Beach channel to sea at Fresh Pond, by using the floodgates at Illidge Road combined with Salt Pond pumps instead. The current practice is not only ecologically damaging, but makes Canadian travel company Sunwing’s plans to build a Hollywood Planet Resort there far less attractive.
