NRPB reports underground GEBE grid and new alert system almost finished

GREAT BAY--According to the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), in an issued press release, several major critical infrastructure projects under the Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP-1) are nearing completion, strengthening St. Maarten’s resilience in areas such as energy, emergency communications, and weather monitoring.

The NRPB reports that the USD 5.1 million underground cabling project with NV GEBE is now in its final stages. This work builds on the underground utilities project that began under ERP-1 in 2022. That earlier phase installed low voltage electricity lines and water pipes below ground across large parts of the Cul-de-Sac basin. It strengthened the base of the electricity network and created the conditions for the mid voltage cabling upgrades that are now taking place.

The installation of underground cables, mid and low tension power lines, and new water distribution pipes is ongoing in Bishop Hill, Cole Bay, Dutch Quarter, Point Blanche, and parts of South Reward. This work is set to be completed by February 2026. By placing these power lines underground, the project reduces the risk of outages during hurricanes and makes the network more stable and easier to maintain. Once this activity is completed, GEBE’s mid tension grid in St. Maarten will be fully underground.

The NRPB also highlights the installation of the Cell Broadcasting System as another major ERP-1 activity. This new emergency alert platform will allow the Government of St. Maarten to send real time warnings directly to mobile phones during disasters. The system is now entering its final testing phase and will use existing telecom networks to deliver urgent safety information during storms, floods, or other emergencies.

In addition, the project includes the installation of five automated weather stations, along with stand alone rain and tidal gauges at various locations across the island. These systems will give the Meteorological Department continuous local measurements of rainfall, temperature, humidity, and wind. This real time data will help the department share detailed weather conditions with the public and improve the precision of local forecasts. The weather stations will also strengthen how early warnings are developed and shared during severe weather events. The installation and training of staff are expected to be completed by February 2026.

ERP-1 is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten. It is funded by the St. Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

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