During Thursday's signing of a $3.7 million contract for the reconstruction of seawalls on Eleuthera, Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts said the failure-prone Glass Window bridge will be replaced by a new structure.
Mr. Roberts said that technical officers in his Ministry had completed an evaluation of all existing roads on the island.
“As part and parcel of the infrastructure enhancement throughout the island of Eleuthera, I am also pleased to inform you that my Ministry is also in negotiations with W.F. Baird and Associates to have this company complete the final design, Tender and Construction Documents of the new causeway which will replace the Glass Window Bridge and eventually fully restore the entire road network of Eleuthera, upon completion next year.” advised Mr Roberts.
“In the meanwhile, however, temporary repairs to the Glass Window Bridge structures are scheduled to commence within 60 to 90 days.” he added.
Mr. Roberts also noted that his Ministry was embarking on an initiative to improve the availability of potable water on Eleuthera. He said due to the chronic water problems experienced in North Eleuthera, the Water & Sewerage Corporation was given permission early last year to solicit tenders for a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant to be located at the former Naval Base near Governor's Harbour.
“This facility was intended to serve the communities south of the Glass Window Bridge to Savannah Sound.” he said. “I am pleased to inform you that a Build-Own-Operate contract for the supply of 400,000 imperial gallons per day at the Naval Base in Central Eleuthera was awarded to Aqua Design Bahamas Limited in November 2005. To date, the project is progressing on schedule.” The building is completed and the installation of the major equipment is reportedly in its final stages.
