~ LED lights with cameras soon ~
PHILIPSBURG--Water and light company GEBE has repaired 2,400 streetlights since the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, and is “diligently working” on repairing the 1,800 remaining damaged streetlights.
GEBE said in a press statement on Thursday that it projects that all streetlights will be restored by the end of 2019 to mid-2020.
GEBE said it has established working partnerships with the Police Force of Sint Maarten and the Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure VROMI to collaborate on the placement of “new revolutionary” LED streetlights equipped with cameras that offer greater visibility, enhanced security and are energy-conscious.
The new lights have been ordered and two districts have been determined to initiate the Community Safety Streetlights Pilot Project. After the pilots are installed and tested the project will move full speed ahead throughout the community, GEBE said.
“Our main priority remains the community,” GEBE Assistant Distribution Manager Patrick Drijvers said in the statement. “As a community-focused organisation we understand the important role of working streetlights and how they directly contribute to the safety of the St. Maarten community at large.”
“GEBE has placed substantial emphasis on repairing community streetlights since the passing of Hurricane Irma. GEBE’s Distribution Department is spearheading the initiative to ensure that all streetlights are repaired to deter crime and support safe driving. The initiative to restore streetlights remains an ongoing effort for NV GEBE. The primary focus is on main roads with consistent progression to secondary roads. Currently, repairs are taking place in the Cole Bay area,” GEBE said.
