Call GEBE or VROMI Before You Dig

Located underground is a complex network of pipes and wires for critical services such as electricity, water, communications, sewage and other utilities. Unsafe digging can damage equipment. If you plan to dig anywhere – from large construction jobs to home projects – smart digging means calling GEBE or Public Works before each job. This is the first step in helping you to dig safely and avoid damaging critical utilities.


Be Safe

What you don't see underground can hurt you. Before you dig, you are required by law to call VROMI One Call at 1 (721) 542-0349 a minimum of two days before you plan to dig. They will help you to locate electric and other underground utility lines. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying a foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or other digging device can damage power lines–and cause injury or worse.

Never assume you know what is below. Nationwide, one out of every three damages to underground utilities is the result of digging without calling VROMI.


Make the call

One simple phone call to VROMI will notify all appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig.

Provide advance notice

Contact VROMI at least two full business days prior to digging to ensure utility lines are properly marked.

Provide your project info

When you call, a representative from VROMI will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

Allow utilities to mark underground lines

VROMI will notify GEBE and other affected utilities that will then send professional locators to the dig site to mark the exact location of any underground lines.

Understand the location marks

Each type of buried utility has its own color code. Marks may be painted or located with flags.

  Color Utility Type
Red Red Electric, Cables, Conduit, Lighting Cables
Yellow Communication, Phone (TELEM)
Orange Communication, Phone (UTS)
Blue Blue Cable, Fiber Optic (GEBE)
Gray Cray Secondary Fiber Optic (GEBE)
black Water

Dig Carefully

Once lines have been properly marked, carefully hand dig with a shovel around the marked areas. Also consider designing your project to avoid digging close to the underground facilities. Never use mechanized equipment near marks or exposed pipes or wires. Remember that utility marks will not indicate depth, and settling ground, erosion and other factors cause the location of pipes and wires to change over time.


Know the Law

Striking an underground utility line while digging can cause harm to you or those around you, disrupt service to entire neighborhoods, and potentially result in fines and repair costs defined by VROMI and the Sint Maarten law.

Never assume you know what is below. Nationwide, one out of every three damages to underground utilities is the result of digging without calling VROMI.


We're here to Help

At GEBE, we're dedicated to providing education and assistance to customers and excavators regarding safe excavation around underground electric lines. Safe digging is everyone's responsibility. We provide both office and field personnel to assist you with all issues related to excavation activities throughout our service territory. Our close partnership with VROMI gives you access to the resources you need to ensure your job site is properly marked before you start to dig.

For more information call: VROMI or 1 (721) 546-1100.