NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) is injecting more than $1 million into critical water infrastructure upgrades in Acklins, positioning the island for improved water security, expanded access, and long-term sustainability.
At the center of the investment is a $930,000 reverse osmosis plant at the Corporation’s Lovely Bay Wellfields, designed to deliver high-quality desalinated water to residents in Lovely Bay, Chesters, and surrounding communities. The new system will replace aging groundwater sources that have grown increasingly brackish after years of use.
The upgrade forms part of a broader push to modernize water systems across the Family Islands, with additional works underway in Salina Point and Hard Hill aimed at expanding distribution and improving storage capacity.
In Salina Point, WSC is installing an additional 1,000 feet of water mains at a cost of $60,000, extending service to 15 more homes. Meanwhile, in Hard Hill, storage capacity is being quadrupled from one tank to four, a $100,000 investment expected to improve supply reliability for more than 30 homes.
WSC General Manager Robert Deal said the works represent a significant step toward strengthening infrastructure and ensuring consistent access to clean water across the archipelago.
“Presently, extensive works are underway in North Acklins to supply the residents of Lovely Bay, Chesters and neighbouring communities with high-quality piped portable water through the installation of a new reverse osmosis plant,” he said.
“This investment is a major step toward strengthening water security in our Family Islands and ensuring that residents have reliable access to safe, clean water. It underscores the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure across the archipelago and delivering sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for all Bahamians. As we continue this important work, we are proud to play our part in nation building and shaping the future where every community can thrive.”
Residents say the improvements are long overdue, pointing to years of challenges with poor water quality.
“We had a water challenge here for years and years. The water was so terrible. When you tried to wash your clothes, it was not coming out right. I’m so happy that we have some relief with the new system that’s coming in. The people in North Acklins have been praying for this for years and years. And I am so happy to see that it is really going to happen,” said Clarence Williams, Council Member for Lovely Bay.
Robert Moss of Lovely Bay described the upgrade as a “major step,” while longtime observer Al Johnson said the improvements would bring meaningful change for residents who have struggled with the system for years.
Clarence Williams Jr., who has lived in Acklins since 2002, added that the new system offers renewed hope after years of unreliable supply.
“The situation before was really bad. I’m pretty happy with the system that we’re getting this system and I have high hopes for it,” he said.
