Ottley says Gumbs should seek help if needed, Lacroes questions 15 years of sewage on St. Peters road

GREAT BAY--Members of Parliament Lacroes and Omar Ottley have called for greater government action to address longstanding sewage problems, garbage accumulation and abandoned vehicles across St. Maarten, questioning why problems repeatedly brought to the attention of authorities continue without lasting solutions. Both parliamentarians emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, clearer policies and greater cooperation between government and Parliament to resolve issues affecting the daily lives of residents.

Speaking during Tuesday's parliamentary meeting with Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs, the two MPs raised concerns about the country's waste management situation, pointing to sewage flowing through residential neighborhoods, garbage accumulating in public areas and the difficulties residents face when seeking government intervention.

Their contributions also highlighted questions about the effectiveness of existing legislation and whether the government is making sufficient use of the resources and assistance available to address the problems.

Lacroes Questions Why Sewage Problems Remain Unresolved After More Than a Decade

MP Lacroes focused particularly on the longstanding sewage problems affecting St. Peters, telling Parliament that wastewater has been flowing onto the road in one area for what he believes is approximately 15 years or more.

He recalled raising the matter during an earlier budget debate but said he had not received a satisfactory response explaining what was causing the problem or how government intended to resolve it.

According to Lacroes, the situation has persisted for so long that he cannot recall driving along the affected section of St. Peters Road without encountering water flowing across the roadway.

The MP questioned why a problem that has remained visible for years has not been addressed and requested a clear explanation of the cause, the corrective measures required and the government's timeline for taking action.

Lacroes also raised the difficulties experienced by residents who are exposed to wastewater flowing from neighboring properties.

He explained that he has received complaints from individuals whose homes or properties are affected by sewage runoff originating from nearby residences. In some instances, residents are left with the burden of seeking legal assistance to resolve a problem they did not create.

The MP questioned the fairness of requiring residents to hire attorneys and pursue legal action simply to stop wastewater from another property entering their own.

He emphasized that some affected residents cannot afford legal representation and are consequently left to endure unpleasant and potentially unhealthy conditions without an effective remedy.

Lacroes called on the ministry to establish a more practical approach to handling such complaints, including clearer procedures for intervention and enforcement.

He also requested information about a reporting application or QR-code system that he understood had previously been discussed as a means for residents to notify government about sewage and wastewater problems.

The MP said he had encouraged residents to document sewage runoff and submit photographs to both himself and the ministry. However, he remained uncertain about the status of the proposed reporting mechanism.

He further pointed to photographs he had submitted showing water running from residential properties onto public roads for extended periods, in some cases resulting in moss growing on the affected surfaces.

Another issue raised by Lacroes was the continued presence of abandoned and derelict vehicles in neighborhoods across the island.

He reminded the minister that Parliament had approved a motion he introduced during the budget debate addressing the removal of vehicle wrecks.

Lacroes requested an update on the implementation of that motion and questioned whether the existing procedures are producing the intended results.

He described situations in which vehicles were marked for removal but remained in place long enough for the notices or markings to disappear, with some vehicles subsequently moved only a short distance.

According to the MP, other abandoned vehicles have remained in neighborhoods without being marked or tagged at all.

He asked the minister to explain the process used to identify, notify and remove abandoned vehicles, including the timeframe within which residents should expect action once a vehicle has been identified.

Lacroes maintained that residents deserve to know what government is doing to address these longstanding problems and when they can reasonably expect improvements.

Ottley Questions Garbage Collection Arrangements and Calls for Practical Solutions

MP Omar Ottley similarly challenged the government's approach to waste management, arguing that the country must move beyond repeatedly identifying problems and begin implementing practical solutions.

Ottley pointed to the accumulation of garbage in Simpson Bay, particularly around Kim Sha Beach, where recent images had shown large amounts of waste.

He questioned how such conditions could persist in an area regularly used by residents and visitors, noting that private citizens and individuals who frequent the area had taken it upon themselves to clean up the garbage.

The MP suggested that part of the problem may be connected to garbage collection arrangements and the classification of certain waste as commercial rather than residential.

He explained that areas previously serviced by garbage collectors may now encounter situations in which a contractor declines to remove waste because the collection is not covered under the existing agreement.

Ottley acknowledged that a contractor may be acting within the terms of the contract when refusing to collect certain waste. However, he questioned who ultimately assumes responsibility when the result is garbage accumulating in public spaces.

He argued that government cannot allow contractual arrangements or disagreements over collection responsibilities to leave communities without effective solutions.

Ottley emphasized that the problem extends beyond Kim Sha Beach, referring to similar complaints and images involving Cay Bay, Cole Bay and St. Peters.

He also pointed to the demands placed on the country's waste management system by the tourism industry, noting that the island must accommodate waste generated not only by residents but also by the large number of visitors arriving annually.

Turning to wastewater management, Ottley recalled that during his tenure at the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), efforts had been made to establish cooperation between VSA, VROMI and the Ministry of Justice to address wastewater problems.

He explained that a task force had been developed to pursue solutions, with discussions also involving the National Recovery Program Bureau.

Among the matters being considered at the time were legal arrangements that would allow authorities to impose and collect fines for violations involving wastewater and sewage.

Ottley questioned whether the task force remains operational and whether communication between the ministries continues.

He asked whether the work previously undertaken to strengthen enforcement had advanced and what additional measures are necessary to ensure that violations can be addressed effectively.

The MP indicated that he remains willing to contribute to finding solutions, including assisting with the drafting of policies or legislative amendments where necessary.

He emphasized that Members of Parliament have a legislative role and should be prepared to work with ministers to improve laws that may no longer adequately address the country's present circumstances.

However, Ottley also expressed frustration that proposals submitted to government do not always receive the attention or follow-up he believes they require.

He referred to previous initiatives he had submitted to other ministries, explaining that his willingness to assist must be matched by a willingness on the part of government to consider and act on proposals.

Ottley also questioned the minister's response to the concerns raised about wastewater management, particularly the suggestion that the information prompting the parliamentary meeting had not been sufficiently clear.

He argued that the problems are visible and have been repeatedly documented by residents and Members of Parliament.

The MP maintained that continued complaints about the same conditions should be viewed as evidence that the underlying problems have not been adequately addressed.

He challenged Gumbs to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and determine what assistance may be required to move toward solutions.

Ottley said he does not believe the minister deliberately disregards the interests of St. Maarten but questioned whether the ministry has been able to identify and implement an effective response to the problems.

He urged the minister to seek assistance where necessary rather than allow unresolved issues to continue.

Ottley went further, arguing that if a minister is unable to resolve persistent problems and is unwilling to seek the help necessary to do so, the question of remaining in office must be considered.

Nevertheless, he reiterated his willingness to assist with policy development and legislative changes aimed at establishing a cleaner and safer St. Maarten.

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