The Saba, Statia Cable System submarine fibre optic telecommunications cable located in Great Bay was damaged recently. In photo: Workers are seen digging up the damaged cable. (John Halley photo)
PHILIPSBURG--The Saba, Statia [St. Eustatius – Ed.] Cable System (SSCS) submarine fibre optic telecommunications cable located in Great Bay was damaged recently.
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Rene Violenus said in Wednesday’s press briefing that the cable had been damaged by a boat and left in desperate need of repair.
Violenus said he therefore had approved for a cable repair ship from Curaçao to come to St. Maarten and carry out the necessary needed repairs. The ship is expected to arrive on the island this Friday.
“Had this cable not been repaired, significant telecommunications outages here in St. Maarten, Saba and Statia may have been possible within next week or next two weeks,” Violenus said. He said repairs should begin on Monday and may continue into the coming weeks.
