Nassau, Bahamas ? In the implementation of its various development projects, the Ministry of Public Works ?is committed? to the protection of the nation?s natural resources including ponds, beaches, shrubs, trees and the wellbeing of Bahamians, Parliament was told.

Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon Neko C Grant said the ongoing projects of public infrastructure upgrading, ?is contributing significantly to the overall health of Bahamians.? Mr Grant was making his contribution to the debate in the House of Assembly, Wednesday on the National Insurance (Chronic Diseases Prescription Drug Fund) Bill, 2009.

The Bill seeks to establish a chronic disease prescription drug plan with the primary objectives being to increase access to cost effective drugs for the treatment of specific chronic diseases and specified medical conditions. The Bill also seeks to reduce the financial burden of beneficiaries in respect to the purchase of prescription and specified medical supplies.

Mr Grant said the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in The Bahamas and the Caribbean has reached ?unacceptable? levels. The value of prevention of chronic diseases in the Bahamas ?cannot be overstated,? said Mr Grant. It is encouraging, he said, to see ?an increasing number of Bahamians? adopting healthier lifestyles by engaging in various forms of physical exercise in an outdoor environment on a regular basis.

Through its ongoing projects of public infrastructure upgrading, Mr Grand said he is proud to say the Ministry of Works ?is contributing significantly? to the overall health of Bahamians. The reconstruction of sidewalks in various areas of New Providence at a cost of $491,540 has facilitated the ?safer use? of streets by pedestrians including fitness enthusiasts, Mr Grant said.

?We are also presently engaged in other projects from which benefits to a nation?s health may be derived. Last month the plan for the Big Pond Project was revealed to residents of the project area and the general public.

?This plan to redevelop the Big Pond Park is a component of the New Providence Transportation Program of the New Providence Road Improvement Project.?

The construction of basic infrastructure, boardwalks and bird watching platforms around the existing pond and park area are included in the plan, he explained. In addition to open spaces, it will also feature a trail network for walking or jogging. The Saunders Beach redevelopment project will also contribute to the health efforts of Bahamians., he said.

Presently the area is characterized by a lack of facilities with parked vehicles often spilling over to the opposite side of the street, he said. ?It is not unusual to see beach goers taking great risks in crossing two lanes of speeding traffic along West Bay Street to access the beach,? he said. ?Despite these shortcomings, this area remains popular with Bahamians and tourists alike.?

By realigning the existing roadway, he said, the Ministry intends to improve the conditions by providing enhanced access to Saunders Beach.

By: Kathryn Campbell