POND ISLAND--A team of experts will conduct a survey of the neighbourhood next to the dump starting today, Monday, December 10. Their aim is to speak to residents about possible solutions for relocation.
Due to the fires on the dump, there are risks for persons living in the area right next to it, especially once the fire suppression activities start. Government is looking into options for closing off part of the neighbourhood, according to a government press statement.
Government “is committed to comprehensive safety and security standards” and requests that residents give their full cooperation with the survey.
The survey is necessary to prepare for the fire suppression activities that will address the subsurface fires on the ever-burning and -smoking dump. These activities are part of the Emergency Debris Management Project financed via the St. Maarten Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund.
The press statement cited that dump fires and related smoke have been a major concern for the people living in the area and the wider community, and need to be managed.
