MP Doran seeks clarity on road works and use of remaining 2 million guilders in CAPEX Funds

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert Doran has submitted formal questions to the Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs, asking for a detailed update on road repairs, ongoing infrastructure projects, and the status of funds previously secured for these works. He pointed out that approximately 2 million guilders from the CAPEX 2023 allocation, obtained during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, should still be available for the hard-surfacing of side roads as well as the general improvement and maintenance of the national road network. According to the MP, the public is entitled to know how far these works have progressed and what remains to be executed.

Doran recalled that the hard-surfacing program launched while he headed the ministry was designed together with the VROMI team to finally tackle long-neglected side roads in several neighborhoods across the island, many of which had not received proper attention for decades. He emphasized that the CAPEX 2023 funds were secured precisely to allow the current administration to continue these efforts without interruption.

The MP has also asked Minister Gumbs to clarify the status of the annual bidding process for road repair and maintenance, specifically whether the tender for the 2026 cycle has already been carried out. If it has not, he wants to know when the tender will be published.

In addition, Doran requested information on the procurement of storm water pumps, which are critical for handling heavy rainfall and reducing flood risks in vulnerable communities. He has asked whether the tender process has been finalized, which companies participated, and what the subsequent steps will be.

Doran further requested a breakdown of the roads already completed under the project, the number of roads still pending, and whether any locations have been removed from the original list. He also called for updated start and completion timelines for each area, particularly where initial target dates have already passed.

Reflecting on his period as Minister, Doran noted that while larger projects were being prepared, work crews were still sent out to patch potholes in the meantime. He said this approach helped keep certain areas safer and reasonably drivable until more comprehensive works could begin. He observed that this kind of temporary maintenance appears to have decreased since he left office and has asked Minister Gumbs whether there is a specific reason for this shift.

Doran acknowledged that every ministry encounters obstacles, but argued that the country cannot experience prolonged delays in basic infrastructure works without clear communication. He stressed that residents are increasingly dissatisfied with worsening road conditions and should receive direct answers about when improvements will take place. “People are tired of guessing. They want straightforward information and visible progress. As an MP, it is my responsibility to follow up and ensure that the commitments made and the funds allocated are translated into real action,” he said.

He concluded by expressing the expectation that the Minister’s response will provide residents with a clearer picture of what has been done so far and what they can expect in the coming period.

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