NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Town Planning Committee has granted “preliminary approval” for the government’s proposed near $300 million, 200-bed specialty hospital in western New Providence, despite ongoing public concerns over flooding, traffic congestion, and neighbourhood disruption.
Committee Chairman Keenan Johnson confirmed the decision to Eyewitness News, stating: “The Committee has resolved to grant Preliminary Support of Application Approval for the proposed hospital, subject to the following conditions: The developer is required to provide drainage control measures on the site subject to the approval of the Civil Design Section of the Ministry of Works & Family Island Affairs; and the developer is required to provide detailed access and circulation design drawings for review and approval by the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs.”
The proposed facility, to be located in the Perpall Tract area, will serve as a national specialty hospital focusing on maternal and child health services currently housed at Princess Margaret Hospital. It is expected to feature a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, same-day surgery and diagnostic facilities, a molecular medicine and research wing, and a teaching hospital component.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville has stated that the project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize public healthcare infrastructure and improve maternal and child health outcomes. He said the site was selected after reviewing four potential locations, with Perpall Tract identified as the only one meeting the geotechnical and elevation requirements for a multi-story facility.
Residents living near the proposed location have raised objections, citing flooding, traffic congestion, and the potential for neighborhood disruption. Several homeowners’ associations have submitted formal objections, warning that the project could worsen existing drainage and access challenges in the area.
