VROMI Completes Emergency Landslide Stabilization in Ebenezer
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The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) has successfully completed emergency stabilization works on Ebenezer Road. This critical project improves hillside safety ahead of the peak 2025 hurricane season.
Immediate Risk Prompted Action
The intervention addressed a serious landslide threat triggered by soil movement in mid-2024. Nearby homes, public infrastructure, and stormwater systems were at risk. Blocked drains worsened the danger, increasing flooding potential in the Ebenezer area.
Years of Concern Lead to Urgent Response
Residents raised safety concerns as far back as 2010. Between 2020 and 2022, several letters reached VROMI, warning about erosion. Tropical storms in August 2024 escalated the situation. A septic tank and cistern collapsed, damaging property and blocking trenches. The November 2024 Saint Martin Day rains brought severe flooding and further instability.
VROMI Completes Emergency Landslide Stabilization in Ebenezer
A Coordinated Effort
Under Minister Patrice Gumbs, VROMI restarted a delayed trench maintenance project. Contracts were issued in August 2024. The Ministry prioritized trench repair and hill stabilization. Assessments finished by February 2025. Work began on March 10, 2025.
“This project shows why permits and proper planning matter,” said Minister Gumbs.
To improve oversight, VROMI began drafting a civil works permit manual in late 2024. It will guide developers and contractors once implemented.
Project Highlights
- Shotcrete nailed walls and slope anchors stabilized the hill
- Public trench cleaned and restored
- Natural hill greening supported
- Works completed in under three months
- Project executed by AcrobatX, a regional specialist
- Nearby homes are now safer from landslides and floods
Looking Ahead
A second phase will stabilize more of the hill face and complete the full Ebenezer trench. This trench drains stormwater from South Reward to Philipsburg. A long-time resident remarked, “In 15 years, I’ve never seen this trench cleaned end-to-end. This is a big step.”
Root Causes and Solutions
AcrobatX noted two key causes of the landslide:
- Property backfilling without proper reinforcement
- Poor drainage in retaining walls, causing pressure buildup
Julien Ripert, CEO of AcrobatX and Rocks & Risks, stated:
“I’m glad that Parliament is now pushing for better construction regulation. This is a turning point for Sint Maarten.”
A Commitment to Resilience
VROMI has requested a national budget line for future landslide interventions. Minister Gumbs added:
“We must be proactive. We will identify and fix other high-risk areas, not just react.”
VROMI thanks the Ebenezer community for its patience and cooperation. Residents are urged to stay alert during the hurricane season.