NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After years of being faced with unreliable and salty water supply systems, North Long Island and Crooked Island will soon be able to consume potable water for the first time ever.
Recently, Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Member of Parliament for Long Island, Adrian Gibson, released a much-anticipated plan outlining the implementation of new water mains on the aforementioned islands.
Much of the plan will address both islands’ aging and unsustainable water infrastructures that residents have toiled with for an extended period of time.
“The North Long Island Project Phase II will see the supply and installation of approximately 13 miles of water mains and approximately 180 to 200 service connections,” he said. “With respect to Crooked Island, this project will include the supply and installation of approximately 5 miles of water mains and approximately 83 service connections.”
The executive team at WSC also revealed plans to better prepare for the big one. The government entity has organized and effectuated preventative plans to safeguard water systems that are susceptible to rupture during natural disasters.
Gibson told Eyewitness News Online how the nation will grapple with certain unforeseen weather conditions.
“With respect to storm surge and sea level rise, an analysis was carried out by WSC’s climate change consultant to verify the climate change impacts on North Long Island and Crooked Island to determine the pipeline and RO plant locations, which can be subject to storm surge inundation,” Gibson explained. “In special vulnerable conditions, we required a 4 feet pipe burial depth.”
The invitation to bid has been issued for these projects and discussions amongst prospective contractors should commence this week.
Once a contract is awarded, the successful bidder will have six weeks to begin construction. It also estimated that these projects will impact almost 800 residents.
So far, works have commenced in South Long Island and construction is approaching substantial completion on South Andros. Works have also been completed in San Salvador, as well as Pinewood Gardens Phase B, Coral Lakes, and Boatswain Hill in New Providence.
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This article was written by Matthew Moxey, Eyewitness News Online Intern.
