Sint Maarten and World Bank Sign $25M Agreement to Enhance Water Quality and Infrastructure

The Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project focuses on upgrading and expanding the island's wastewater collection and treatment systems.

The Government of Sint Maarten, the National Recovery Program Bureau, and the World Bank have signed a significant $10 million agreement to improve water quality and quantity on the island. This initiative is further bolstered by an additional $15 million co-financing loan from the Government of the Netherlands, bringing the total investment to $25 million.

The Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project focuses on upgrading and expanding the island's wastewater collection and treatment systems. The project aims to address public health risks, protect surface water and beaches from environmental degradation, and sustain the tourism-driven economy by preserving the island's natural assets.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina highlighted the project's importance, stating, "The Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project embodies our unwavering dedication to sustainable development and resilience. By investing in critical infrastructure, we are not only tackling the environmental challenges we face today but also laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier future for every citizen of Sint Maarten."

Currently, many households in Sint Maarten rely on individual wastewater solutions, which often lead to untreated wastewater being released into nearby waters, negatively impacting the environment, water quality, and public health. The upgraded wastewater system will enhance living conditions, improve coastal water quality, and protect the island's tourism industry.

Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean, emphasized the project's significance: "Improved wastewater collection and treatment will provide the people of Sint Maarten with sustainable wastewater management, leading to better living conditions and improved quality of coastal waters, which is particularly important for the country’s tourism-based economy."

The project will expand the sewerage network, rehabilitate critical parts of the existing sewage system to boost climate resilience and efficiency, and upgrade the current wastewater treatment plant. Additionally, it will include monitoring and evaluation activities, environmental and social risk mitigation measures, capacity building, and the establishment of citizen engagement mechanisms and grievance redress systems.

This initiative marks a vital step towards achieving sustainable development and resilience for Sint Maarten, ensuring that the island's natural beauty and economic prosperity are preserved for future generations.