~ Previous UD/SMCP led government only repaired seven homes in two years ~
PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Christophe Emmanuel, former Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), continues to voice his concerns, along with disappointment, with the previous UD /SMCP led government not following through with his roof repair project that was approved by the then National Alliance (NA) led Council of Ministers in January 2018 to help the people of St. Maarten.
The then NA led coalition, with MP Emmanuel in his capacity of Minister of VROMI, left an approved Roof Repair Program behind to repair 150 damaged homes. There were a total of 500 plus homes that were selected to be repaired in phases, according to the then government’s criteria, of which the first 150 homes were the first group identified.
The UD/SMCP government in March 2018 put the project aside for reasons of arrogance, as it was an initiative from the then former Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, MP Emmanuel. The project that was placed on public tender complied with all procedures and was on its way to the Governor for final approval by the signing of a National decree when the government fell.
According to MP Emmanuel, it is a blatant shame to see that the previous UD/SMCP
government had only managed to repair seven homes that were handpicked to benefit friends and family. MP Emmanuel plans to pick up where he left off in January 2018 and bring the much-needed relief with the fixing of roofs/ homes of the people of St. Maarten.
It is evident by the recent report of the Ombudsman, which not only confirms the MP’s concerns but also stated that the previous UD/SMCP led government has done absolutely nothing to assist the people of St. Maarten with the necessary repairs of their homes.
Despite the National Alliance Government just recently taking office, with the initiative of MP Emmanuel, the current government is not only looking into this matter but Emmanuel himself
is looking into ways to advise government in launching a follow-up program considering the dire need.
As a result, MP Emmanuel is urging those in need, not to lose faith as a follow-up program will be implemented shortly.
