Roy chides opposition as
new water plant opens
CUPECOY--Celebrating the official opening of the Air-Fin Reverse Osmosis Plant in Cupecoy Wednesday, Utilities Commissioner Roy Marlin delivered a tongue-lashing to opposition members for “playing political football” with a vital service like the steady supply of drinking water.
The water plant, which has been pumping out more than 3,800 cubic metres of water since January, was inaugurated by Acting Lt. Governor Millicent de Weever who cut the red ribbon affixed with a St. Maarten flag.
Recalling his “sleepless nights” and struggles to get the new water contract, awarded to Air-Fin in a public tender, off the ground last year, Marlin said he regrets the politics played by company competitors and politicians.
He added that while politicians were busy making allegations about the financing of the project being derived from “money laundering and terrorism,” the well was running dry and residents were without water. From September 2007 to January 2008, residents faced low water pressure or no water at all, as the old Cay Bay Plant had endless maintenance problems and demand for water sharply out stripping 11,000 cubic metres production. At present, the island requires about 14,500 cubic metres of water to quench its need.
Marlin disclosed that Air-Fin has already been asked to present a proposal for another new water plant on the eastern side of the island (Philipsburg area). The time to prepare for the island’s continuing growth is now, he added, with a challenge to opposition members to be ready for this at least by the end of the year.
Contractual Air-Fin has to provide 3,700 cubic metres of water daily but uses its additional production capacity to deliver close to 3,900 cubic metres, according to Managing Director Willem Barendsen.
Constant water testing is also being carried out to ensure that brine pouring into Simpson Bay Lagoon does not disrupt the salinity balance. Based on the tests, Barendsen said the lagoon water has been more salty than the brine and a good circulation in the Air-Fin corner of the lagoon had made the water even swim ready now.
Both Barendsen and Marlin thanked Cupecoy Yacht Club and La Samanna Hotel, especially General Manager Bernard Sarme for cooperating fully with the project by constructing a building for the water plant on the yacht club premises before the contract was even signed.
To mark the opening, Barendsen made donations to television programme In Depth hosted by Andrew Bishop, kiddie soccer coach Nicky Owen for his programme and to Ujima Foundation, for troubled boys, which is facing severe financial issues.
Additionally, as a signal of his commitment to using local companies for the upgrade of Cay Bay water plant, Barendsen signed a contract for extension work to the plant with Smaal Water Services N.V. at the opening.
