VROMI Tags About 250 derelict vehicles in two weeks as removal campaign intensifies

GREAT BAY--Approximately 250 derelict vehicles have been tagged for removal across St. Maarten in just two weeks as the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) intensifies its campaign to clear car wrecks from public areas.

Despite the number already identified, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs said the operation has reached only a fraction of the vehicles scattered throughout communities, with some known hotspots containing between five and 10 wrecks on a single street.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t even scratched the surface. In known hotspots there are at times 5-10 cars per street. So while the figures are high, even more concerning is that this represents a very isolated reach. More importantly, Government pays a contractor USD$100 for every wreck removed. So alongside the unsightliness of wrecks, the devaluation of quality of life, property values, and the potential health risks, we need to consider the impact of this public funds,” Gumbs said while participating in the tagging exercise.

At US$100 for each wreck removed, the approximately 250 vehicles tagged so far represent a potential removal cost of US$25,000 if all are collected under the current arrangement.

The Minister stressed that abandoned and derelict vehicles are more than an appearance issue. They can affect neighborhoods, property values and quality of life, while also creating potential health and safety concerns.

VROMI said the current campaign represents an escalation of an ongoing effort, rather than the start of wreck removal activities. According to Gumbs, the Ministry has continued removing wrecks but is increasing its efforts as St. Maarten moves through the peak period of the Atlantic hurricane season. Derelict vehicles can become additional hazards during severe weather.

The campaign also comes as government considers longer-term approaches to financing waste management.

Earlier this year, VROMI submitted a financial framework aimed at supporting the creation of a sustainable waste sector. The framework was approved by the Council of Ministers and identified end-user disposal fees as one mechanism through which the waste sector could be funded.

Gumbs also supported a motion submitted this week aimed at helping move implementation forward as government seeks to address the country’s broader waste management challenges.

The Minister encouraged residents to continue following official government channels and local media for weather-related information, particularly during the hurricane season. Residents can also follow VROMI’s social media platforms for updates on community cleanup schedules and the locations of large metal disposal bins.

Gumbs thanked members of the public who have been reporting abandoned vehicles and encouraged residents to continue assisting the Ministry in identifying problem areas.

While acknowledging that clearing the large number of wrecks throughout the country will take time, the Minister assured communities that the removal effort will continue.

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