PHILIPSBURG – Around 250 abandoned or derelict vehicles have been tagged for removal in St. Maarten during the first two weeks of an intensified campaign by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI).
Despite the number, VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs says the operation has so far reached only a fraction of the vehicles requiring removal. In some known problem areas, five to ten wrecks can be found on a single street.
The removal also comes at a cost to government. According to Gumbs, contractors are paid US$100 for each wreck removed. The minister said abandoned vehicles affect the appearance and quality of neighborhoods and can pose health and safety risks.
VROMI says vehicle wrecks are of particular concern as St. Maarten enters the peak of the hurricane season, when unsecured debris can become hazardous.
The current campaign is an intensification of ongoing removal efforts. Residents have also been reporting wrecks to government, while VROMI continues to publish cleanup schedules and information on locations for disposal of large metal items.
