Gumbs says proposed 2027 road allocation is Cg5 million
Minister Patrice Gumbs says the proposed 2027 road allocation rises to Cg5 million, with another Cg4 million sought for resurfacing.
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs said on Wednesday 21 October that the proposed 2027 national budget allocates Cg5 million for road infrastructure, up from Cg650,000 in 2026.
Gumbs said another Cg4 million is being sought through capital expenditure funding for road hard-surfacing and resurfacing projects. If approved, the two funding sources would provide about Cg9 million for road improvements.
Read the full story180 more words
Gumbs said the government will postpone full implementation of the proposed Road Fund, which is intended to direct road-tax revenue to infrastructure maintenance and improvements. The Ministry of Finance requested the postponement because of other financial obligations, he said. Government is examining whether an amendment to the 2027 budget could enable full implementation or establish the legal framework for the fund.
According to Gumbs, VROMI is identifying projects and preparing plans for the funding. Priorities include resurfacing roads, addressing erosion and collapsing road structures, replacing missing or damaged signs, installing barricades and improving road markings.
Gumbs said limited asphalt production and paving capacity have affected road maintenance, with government projects competing with work at Princess Juliana International Airport. He said government is coordinating road maintenance with airport activities.
Gumbs also said VROMI is discussing smaller traffic measures with the Police Force of St. Maarten. Options under discussion include changes to turning movements at intersections, a possible roundabout at Clem Labega Square in Philipsburg and a proposal to make Cole Bay Road one-way. He said those proposals have not been finalised.
File photo: Feldmjm1 / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 · cropped, SXM Today mark added
