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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville (fifth from right) shakes hands with Geron Turnquest, General Manager of the Grand Bahama Utility Company, as a gesture of turning over Phase One of the East Grand Bahama Water Project to the GBUC, during a brief ceremony on the site of the main water line, Monday, February 6, 2017 in High Rock. Also on hand for the event were: Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, Peter Turnquest (fourth from right); Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Grand Bahama, Melvin Seymour (centre) and Mr. Gibson of Water and Sewerage Corporation (fourth from left).
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FREEPORT, The Bahamas -- Following a brief ceremony, residents of East Grand Bahama saw their dream of receiving potable water move a step closer, as Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville officially turned over the completed Phase One of the East Grand Bahama Potable Water Project to the Grand Bahama Utility Company.
The ceremony took place on Monday morning, February 6, 2017 at the Park in the Administrator’s Complex in High Rock, Grand Bahama.
According to Dr. Darville, the handing over ceremony moved East End residents one step closer to eradicating a problem many of them faced for close to 50 years.
“As Minister for Grand Bahama, I am happy to announce that Phase one of the Potable Water Project here in East Grand Bahama is completed and we are now able to turn over its management to the Grand Bahama Utility Company,” said Dr. Darville, who was the keynote speaker at the ceremony on the Park in High Rock.
“Phase One will service all residents along the main road from Robert’s Town to Bevan’s Town. This accounts for some 9,500 feet of main piping.”
Minister Darville pointed out that early in the entire process of the project, they were made aware of the challenges faced with maintaining and operating electric pumps in the respective communities in the East. Therefore, he noted, it was the intent of the government to provide that essential service for the residents of East Grand Bahama.
The Government of The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Grand Bahama, the Water & Sewerage Corporation, Ministry of Works and Urban Development, along with industry stakeholders, such as the Grand Bahama Utility Company, all came together to address the issue of providing potable water service to the residents in East Grand Bahama.
After much consultation and feasibility study, a committee was formed and through a tendering process, Waugh Construction Limited was awarded the contract to complete the work. Additionally, the services of Darius Williams & Associates were procured for the scope of the project.
With Phase One of the Potable Water Project completed and officially turned over to the Grand Bahama Utility Company, Minister Darville said that already Phase two of the Potable Water Project has begun. This new phase will stretch from Bevan’s Town, to Gold Rock Creek and include the neighboring areas of Basset Cove, Turtle Reef, Gambier Point and both sections of Free Town.
“If there are no unforeseen challenges, this will take 90 to 120 days to complete,” said Minister Darville. “This accounts for a total of 16,500 feet of main piping and trenching, at a cost of $1,348,415.00.
“In recent times some have questioned the amount that the government is spending on various projects across the island of Grand Bahama. You will notice today that I am quoting figures. Why? Because, as I have said over and over, without the fear of the slightest bit of contradiction, this process is transparent.
“We have clearly demonstrated our commitment to increasing the quality of life of residents of East and West Grand Bahama, through our aggressive infrastructural agenda and economic policies.”
Minister Darville said that one of the mandates of the government is the revitalization of Grand Bahama Island and its economy, adding that East Grand Bahama is included in that vision.
“I wish to state emphatically that this administration is taking progressive steps to lessen the burden of daily living for the people of Grand Bahama, but more specifically to spur growth and create more opportunities for the residents in all the outlying communities of Grand Bahama,” added Minister Darville.
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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