PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — NV GEBE on Thursday said at least an estimated 90 percent of the community has been reconnected to electricity with the aim to have everyone connected latest December 23. Additionally, the company announced that all areas (100%) are now being supplied with water. The company provided an update on the ongoing restoration process following hurricanes Irma and Maria as well as the efforts of GEBE personnel and local contractors who work around the clock to ensure that all districts are powered up and supplied with water. GEBE is also diligently working to move the electricity connections of many areas underground. A total of 60 underground trenches in various areas have been worked on since Hurricane Irma.
Those still to be completed include Marimba drive, Muggy tree drive, Romeo drive, Wyoming street, Mathew lane, Rubber tree drive, Aaron Jacobs drive, Amaranthus road, Sunflower road, Amber drive, Banjo drive, Citrine drive, Jumping Cholla, Windward street, Paramaribo drive, Cannegieter drive, Part of Saba Drive. In other areas, electricity will be restored using overhead connections. The overhead connections that are yet to be completed include Richards drive, Madrid road, Tintamaire drive, Trinidad drive, Brown’s drive, Tortola road, Nazareth, Madrid lane, Quiltor drive, Guavaberry road, Parts of LB Scot Road, Bleeding Heart, Road to Dawn beach, Mount Repose, Woods drive, Part of Saba drive.
Water
Meters that were lost during the hurricanes have been replaced and, with all areas now having water, tap points that were created by GEBE to supply the community with water have now been closed off. Customers whose meters are damaged or still missing are urged to request a replacement by visiting the distribution building on Cannegieter Street across from the Kadaster Office. Customers must bring a copy of their last bill when requesting the new meter. Additionally, NV GEBE will take measures to correct all illegal direct connections to its water grid as of Tuesday December 19, 2017. The community is also requested to continue to report all leaks to our call center.
Water tanks
GEBE also explained that the first water tank repair (Cay Hill tank) is nearing completion and will be ready in time for Christmas. Filling of the tank will now commence followed by putting the tank into immediate service to supply potable water to residents and visitors to the island. Management of GEBE explained that having the Cay Hill tank back up will facilitate the stability of the water network which will enable GEBE to provide water to the entire community as this particular tank is the heart of the water network. GEBE is also asking residents to contact its call center if their area is not listed above and not connected. The Call Center can be reached by calling at 54-61100, 54-61127, 54-61160, 54-61193 and 54-43100. The call center is open until 11:00 pm. After 11:00pm all calls will be switched over to the operator at the power plant.
GEBE thanks the community of St. Maarten for their patience and cooperation during the restoration process.
