PHILIPSBURG:--- TelEm Group are carrying out major repair works to damaged telecommunication cables in the Dutch Quarter area starting this weekend, and are informing residents and businesses nearby that their Internet and telephone lines will be affected.
TelEm Group’s Outside Plant says it has taken the opportunity of ongoing civil works in the Dutch Quarter area to excavate for suspected damaged cables, following complaints by residents about poor telephone reception and slow internet connections, especially after rainfall.
Acting Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Steve Simmons, said technician’s fears were confirmed Friday when they discovered a host of damaged underground telecommunication cables that had deteriorated over the years.
The Technicians also found that some of the cables had been damaged in multiple places, indicating they had been damaged in the past by other excavation works that were covered up again without the damage being reported.
TelEm Group Chief Technical Officer, (CTO), Mr. Eldert Louisa, is appealing to all civil works contractors, and persons who damage company cables during excavation work to report the damage so that they can be repaired and not just covered up.
Acting Manager Outside Plant, Mr. Simmons, said residents and businesses in the Dutch Quarter area have been complaining about poor lines and slow internet speeds for quite a while, but the company’s hands were tied because they could not get permission to excavate the busy roadway in the Dutch Quarter area, where the damaged cables were.
“Government is trenching in the area and we took the opportunity to do our own works to see the condition of the cables underground. We saw a lot of corrosion and damage to cables that have to be replaced right away,” said Mr. Simmons.
The Acting Manager, Outside Plant, says a sub-contracting firm will be carrying out the majority of the works and is expected to complete the repairs within the next week.
“Customers who have been complaining about their telephone and internet lines in this part of Dutch Quarter can expect a vast improvement once the repairs are completed,” said Mr. Simmons.
He said the works began Friday and will continue Saturday in the area of Dutch Quarter between Milton Drive and Caines Drive. The Garden of Eden area will also be affected during the course of the day, Saturday. The repair works will continue next week, affecting other areas of Dutch Quarter.
TelEm Group’s Outside Plant will be informing residents and business in the area about the progress of the works in the coming days with notifications of the various areas that will be affected.
TelEm Group management has meantime apologized to residents and business in the Dutch Quarter area for any inconvenience caused by the major repairs to telecommunication cables in the area. TelEm Group look forward to an improvement of Internet and landline connections in Dutch Quarter when the repairs are completed.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten, APS in collaboration with Dr. Jay Haviser hosted a tour and presentation of the restoration of the Mary’s Fancy Plantation for Dutch Minister of Education, Culture & Science Ms. Ingrid van Engelshoven and her support staff on February 4th. Dr. Jay Haviser, Director of SIMARC gave a presentation of the restoration project, including information on the National Heritage Center. Dr. Haviser spoke adamantly about the restoration project, stating that the approach of APS towards this project is “an example of renovation/restoration done right.” SIMARC is responsible for the execution of the archaeological digs, tree inventory, and consultation. The collaboration with SIMARC grants young locals the opportunity to be actively involved in the project as well.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---The Inspectorate of TEATT (Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications) are working with stakeholders to further enhance relations which is mutually beneficial to both parties concerned.
