The construction process is eco-friendly. Existing trees will be transplanted to an onsite nursery.

Nassau, Bahamas - Since officials broke ground for the construction of the Critical Care Block on November 17, 2011, construction efforts have made significant progress, remaining on budget and on schedule for its June 2013 completion.

 “The biggest excitement is the fact that the project has been designed and is being constructed by Bahamians. I’m really proud of the fact that we are predominantly Bahamian consultants. We are working along with Beck in Atlanta which is headed by a Bahamian. We are working with Cavalier which is a Bahamian company and they are hiring Bahamian subcontractors - which really is a testament of the fact that with a collaborative effort, with Bahamian professionals in the construction industry, we can really develop a first class product for the benefit of the country. That is what I am most proud of,” said Michael Diggiss of Michael Diggiss & Associates, lead consultant for the project.

Doug Thompson, president of Cavalier Construction, noted that bulk excavation on the new Critical Care site is complete. Construction of the compound’s retaining walls is now the priority.

“Along Shirley Street, the retaining walls are well on its way and ahead of schedule. We are proceeding with the back fill and compaction of that area. We’ve completed the majority of the enabling works except for the garbage enclosure and Ministry of Education additional parking. Next, we will continue on with the new entry block where we have existing services there to relocate and also to demolish and start the bulk excavation at the new entry block,” said Mr. Thompson. A meeting with stakeholders and government officials is scheduled for January 1 to discuss the challenges related to the relocation of existing services in an expeditious manner.

Construction of the PMH Critical Care Block is underway.

“Once the foundation work for the Critical Care Block would have been completed, and all of the retaining walls on the perimeter of the property would have been built, then the idea is to move toward the new entry and then begin to build the ground floor structure of the building. So, in about a month or so, you will begin to see the building actually coming out of the ground,” said Mr. Diggiss.

The construction process is also an eco-friendly initiative where existing trees have been transplanted to an onsite nursery until they can be replanted.

“Tim Bethel of Terrain Management has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that two Lignum Vitae trees are transplanted temporarily before being moved to their permanent location. We have a major silk cotton tree on the property that will be maintained. There is some pruning that will be done professionally and under Mr. Bethel’s supervision. So, we’re really very sensitive to the need of protecting and actually reusing those national trees as part of the landscaping of the new project,” Mr. Diggiss explained.”

And with the new facility come three new parking areas – at the Anglican Diocese, Antiquities Monuments & Museums Corporation, and another parking area within the PMH compound.

Construction of the PMH Critical Care Block is underway.