The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI sent an important message by issuing a General Stop Order for all construction activities in the “Over the Bank” area of Upper Prince’s Quarter (see related story). Numerous works were being carried out there without the required permits.
It’s not just a matter of illegality, but also safety. After all, without the approval of designs and inspections by the appropriate authorities, there is no control mechanism to ensure sound building practices on behalf of the public.
But the story also indicates a chronic and serious lack of affordable living accommodations in the country, exasperated by the growing short-term vacation rental business. There is a waiting list at St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) as well as to obtain government lease land for private homes. On top of that, persons residing on or near the landfill had to be relocated due to ongoing efforts to improve waste management.
A project with US $20 million from the Dutch-sponsored Trust Fund administered by World Bank under execution of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) was announced several years ago. The stated plan is to add between 88 and 100 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments to the SMHDF-managed social rental units portfolio in Hope Estate.
It would obviously not solve the entire problem but at least alleviate such a bit. However, little more has been heard recently about these plans and that seems regrettable, because the issue is a pressing one which contributes to poverty and affected persons are getting desperate by now.
While many other areas of need have been addressed with the fund of about half a billion dollars granted by the Netherlands when Hurricane Irma devastated the island eight years ago, this should certainly remain among the priorities.
