Residents and business owners in Smith's Point, Grand Bahama, were updated on work being carried out on the seawall on Friday evening during a town meeting at St. Jude's Anglican Parish Hall by Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville along with Ministry of Works engineer, Mrs. Toni Hudson-Bannister. The Minister told the Smith’s Point community that there were initial delays in getting the project started because of essential information gathering that was necessary at first. Soon after, there was the passage of Hurricane Matthew, which meant the area had to be reassessed by the Ministry of Works.
However, he affirmed that the process of building the seawall – which he started upon request by the Smith’s Point residents – is now back on track.
He noted that while some seawalls in The Bahamas are straightforward, the one being constructed at Smith’s Point is not, and that the key is to do it right so that it can last for many years.
On completion of the seawall, the residents of Smith's Point will have a buffer zone to be able to create more business and cultural activity in the area.
Outlining the history of the work, Toni Hudson-Bannister of the Ministry of Works in Grand Bahama said that the contract was signed and ground broken on June 24, 2016; work commenced in August. Unfortunately, the passing of Hurricane Matthew on October 6, 2016 put a stop to the work, but it recommenced January 2017.
There were a number of setbacks experienced with the project, she said, causing delays and these ranged from the condition of the soil at the site, to the maximum weight capacity of the bridge getting to Smith's Point. Following consultation with the Ministry of Works and the Contractor, Smith's Construction, taking all things into consideration, the revised completion date is now set for July 2017.
DR. MICHAEL DARVILLE, Minister for Grand Bahama. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENCED - After delays and the passing of a Category 4 hurricane in October 2016, work has recommenced on the construction of a seawall at Smith's Point, in Freeport Grand Bahama. It is now expected to be completed in July 2017. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
By Robyn Adderley
Bahamas Information Services
