WASHINGTON, CMC—The World Bank said that on Monday, it signed a US$10 million agreement with the Sint Maarten government to improve the water quality and quantity on the Dutch-speaking Caribbean island.
It said that the government would provide an additional US$15 million through a co-financing loan from the Netherlands.
The World Bank said that investments in wastewater collection and treatment are expected to reduce risks to public health, protect Sint Maarten’s surface water and beaches from environmental degradation, preserve the country’s extraordinary natural assets, and enhance the sustainability of the tourism economy.
“The Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project embodies our unwavering dedication to sustainable development and resilience. By investing in critical infrastructure, we are tackling the environmental challenges we face today and laying the foundation for a brighter, healthier future for every citizen of Sint Maarten,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.
The bank said Sint Maarten’s households will benefit from an upgraded wastewater system. Many use individual solutions that often overflow or release untreated wastewater into nearby waters, harming the environment and water quality. This affects the island’s economy, tourism, and residents’ health.
“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,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean.
The project will increase access to safely managed sanitation services and improve wastewater management. It will also enhance the coverage of wastewater collection by expanding existing sewerage networks while rehabilitating critical parts of the existing sewage system to improve climate resilience and increase operational efficiency. The existing wastewater treatment plant will also be upgraded.
Further, the project includes monitoring and evaluation activities, environmental and social risk mitigation measures, capacity building, and the establishment of citizen engagement measures and grievance redress mechanisms for related activities.
The Sint Maarten Trust Fund portfolio amounts to US$519.42 million, with projects focusing on hospital reconstruction and resilience, debris management, airport terminal reconstruction, home, school, and shelter repairs, support to micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises, child resilience and protection, digitalizing government services and processes, and support to community projects led by local civil society organizations.
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