Dutch State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops drives the bulldozer under the supervision Ronald “Ronnie” Courtar of Alvin R. Courtar Construction N.V.
ST. EUSTATIUS--The Cherry Tree Roads project on St. Eustatius kicked-off on Tuesday, with a symbolic ground breaking by Dutch State Secretary for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops. The road fixing project covers an area of approximately 1.2 kilometres and includes Erick R. Gibbs Road, William Plantz Road, Schroophard Road (partially), Olive V. Patrick Road and George F. Cruger Road.
The actual construction work gets started next week and will take seven month to complete, according to Government Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco.
The Cherry Tree roads are unpaved dirt roads that are a hazard in heavy rains when they become mud pits with deep gullies. The roads are a challenge for emergency services to access. Dust from the unpaved roads also creates a health hazard for residents and visitors, especially those with asthma.
To reduce the further erosion, a rainwater drainage system and a catchment are to be placed in the area as well as paved sidewalks and streetlights.
All cables will be placed underground in the area in the partnership with the 11th European Development Fund.
The Cherry Tree Roads project is being financed by the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The St. Eustatius Directorate of Economy an Infrastructure will represent the island government.
Royal Haskoning DHV and the Directorate will carry out project supervision. Contractor is Koop Caribbean, a joint venture between Koop International BV and Alvin R. Courtar Constructions N.V., Statia company.
Knops said, “This is more than a symbolic start of what is going to happen on the island. A lot of projects will follow, but this is the first big project that will improve the circumstances of where people live and I hope this will be the beginning of a lot more things to come.”
Dutch Infrastructure and Water Management Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen was to attend the ground-breaking ceremony, but was unable to fly from the Netherlands due to unforeseen circumstances. Knops stepped into represent her.
Dutch State Secretary of Social Affairs and Employment Tamara van Ark, Deputy Government Commissioner Mervyn Stegers, Interim Kingdom Representative Jan Helmond, Hilda Doek and Carel Stol of contractor Koop Caribbean J.V., Ronald “Ronnie” Courtar of contractor Alvin R. Courtar Construction N.V., were also present for the ceremony.
