NASSAU, BAHAMAS —While the Town Planning Committee has given conditional approval to a $300 million hospital in western New Providence, residents argue the decision was a “rubber stamp” that fails to address the community’s ongoing worries about flooding, traffic, and environmental risk.
Barbara Hepburn, president of The Grove West Homeowners Association, described the approval as largely symbolic.
“It was a done deal for starters,” Hepburn told Eyewitness News. “The meeting with the Town Planning Department felt like just a formality. Government departments will rubber stamp government initiatives. At least residents were able to voice concerns, because many are unaware of the impact this hospital could have on the area.”
The 200-bed facility, planned for the Perpall Tract area, is intended to consolidate maternal and child health services currently at Princess Margaret Hospital. It will include a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, same-day surgery and diagnostic facilities, a molecular medicine and research wing, and a teaching hospital component.
Town Planning Committee Chairman Keenan Johnson confirmed that preliminary approval was granted, subject to two conditions: the developer must provide drainage control measures and detailed traffic and access plans for review by the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs.
Hepburn said these measures primarily benefit the hospital itself, leaving surrounding communities at risk.
“Whatever they’re asking for helps the hospital, not the neighborhoods,” she said. “Water runoff will flow into nearby areas, and traffic will be a big concern. We’re still not happy, and we still have our concerns.”
Community surveys indicate strong opposition to the Perpall Tract site, which sits atop a well field and has a history of flooding. Residents argue that the project could exacerbate existing drainage and traffic issues.
“We still feel it’s not the best place for the hospital,” Hepburn said. “Even with conditional approval, our neighborhoods bear the risk. It feels like our input didn’t change anything.”
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville defended the site, saying Perpall Tract was selected after evaluating four locations and deemed suitable for a multi-story hospital based on elevation and geotechnical requirements.
Hepburn urged further environmental assessments following recent storms.
“Another environmental assessment should have been done after the last storm. Even a week later, flooding occurred. A second look would be helpful,” she said.
Despite the government’s assurances that the project is a key step in modernizing public healthcare infrastructure and improving maternal and child health outcomes, residents remain unconvinced.
“It was pretty much rubber-stamped,” Hepburn said. “We’re disappointed, and our concerns have not been fully addressed.”
