Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon. Neko Grant (second from left) congratulates Terry Higgs of Eleuthera Construction Co. Ltd. on the award of a contract for reconstruction of Gene’s Bay Dock, during a ceremony at Spanish Wells Methodist Church. Also pictured first from left is the Hon. Alvin Smith, MP for North Eleuthera, and Colin Higgs, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas – The community of Eleuthera welcomed the signing of a contract for reconstruction of Gene’s Bay Dock, which provides an important link for the movement of people and goods on this island.

The Hon. Neko C. Grant, Minister of Public Works and Transport, led a delegation to Spanish Wells Wednesday, February 8 to sign a $310,887.85 contract with Terry Higgs of Eleuthera Construction Co. Ltd. to reconstruct the dock that was damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

“We recognise the importance of adequate coastal infrastructure in the lives of residents of Eleuthera and its overall impact on the economy of that island and its surrounding inhabited cays,” said Minister Grant.

“As you are aware the Jean’s Bay Dock provides a vital link between Spanish Wells and the mainland of North Eleuthera in the transportation of passengers and freight,” Mr. Grant added. “It is used daily by many residents as well as visitors to the area and is surpassed only by the Three Island Dock relative to the amount of activity at government docks on Eleuthera.”

Pictured is a portion of the Gene’s Bay Dock that was damaged during recent hurricane activity. (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)

Joining Mr. Grant at the signing ceremony at Spanish Wells Methodist Church was the Hon. Alvin Smith, Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera; Colin Higgs, permanent secretary; John Canton, director; and Dion Munroe, engineer. Among those witnessing the signing were Don Cornish, administrator; Theo Neilly and Abner Pinder, chief councillors; William Bethel, councillor; along with other Local Government representatives. The Spanish Wells Community Band provided entertainment for the event.

Mr. Grant said there is evidence of deterioration of the existing structure due to the effects of extensive use over the years. “The condition of the structure has been further compromised by wave activity during the most recent hurricanes. The damage by Hurricane Irene last year was significant. An assessment of the structure revealed that the existing timber dock head should be replaced and the existing concrete abutment should be refurbished.”

He thanked the technical staff of the Ministry of Works including Mr. Canton, Mr. Munroe, John Schaefer, project engineer and Shaun Lightbourne, assistant engineer. He congratulated Mr. Higgs on the award of the contract and said he looks forward to “quality work, on time and within budget”.

Mr. Smith described the ceremony as a “witness to progress” for a dock that impacts the economy of Eleuthera.

“It provides and ease for persons to get on and off boats whether to shop, go crabbing or visit the mainland in Eleuthera.  Persons in New Providence do not have an appreciation for docks as in the Family Islands,” said Mr. Smith.

He said docks provide the “lifeblood” for transport.

Mr. Pinder said the dock has significant meaning for the community of Eleuthera as residents use it to travel from as far as Deep Creek to Spanish Wells to shop for grocery and clothing.

The scope of works for the project includes removal of the existing timber dock, installation of ladders and dredging of seabed on the eastern and western side, construction of a timber gazebo with benches and a shingled roof.