Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis today took part in a contract signing ceremony for the provision of the initial stages of piped potable water for the first time in the history of Cat Island.
The contract was signed between the Water and Sewerage Corporation and Island Site Development Co.
The Water and Sewerage Corporation is presently executing a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Water Supply Improvement Project funded by a $28.33 million from the Bank and $13.3 million in counterpart funding from the Government of The Bahamas, said Mr. Adrian Gibson, executive chairman, Water and Sewerage Corporation.
This project includes 2 projects on New Providence and projects on 6 different Family Islands, including Cat Island.
The proposed works on Cat Island will be undertaken as two lots and incorporate approximately 12 miles of pipe installation.
The areas to be supplied with water mains and potable water for the first time include the Wilson Bay and Bennett Harbour settlements, and New Bight proceeding south through the settlements of Douds and Moss Town, ending at Old Bight settlement.
Completion of works is not expected to exceed 12 months. The value of this phase of works is $3.1 million.
“Today is a celebration for the people of Cat Island,” said the Prime Minister. “Today is a tremendous landmark in your history. Today is truly a great day.”
The Prime Minister said he has challenged the Minister of Works and the executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation to immediately start the process of developing a strategic plan, including a financing plan, for the installation of piped potable water to every home in Cat Island within the shortest possible period.
Extending a challenge as The Bahamas approaches 50 years of independence, the Prime Minister said, “we must set a national goal to complete the delivery of this most essential service to all of our residents throughout the Family of Islands, which are is critical for the economic development and growth of our Bahamas.”
The Government will announce a timeline and date for the completion of the provision of piped water to all communities throughout The Bahamas, said the Prime Minister.
“Your Government is cognizant that without these basic utilities, there can be no sustainable growth and development in our Family Islands,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Minnis said the Government will continue to bolster health facilities and education, including, in this internet age, access to telemedicine and online education.
“Every Bahamian and every part of The Bahamas deserves, by right, access to the same opportunities, services and infrastructure,” he said.
