The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation's Downtown Revitalization Project will begin the first stages of flood remediation in the city this week, with the clearing of debris from the main culverts in order to increase water flow through the drainage system, the ministry said in a statement. 

The ministry added that this phase will take more than one month to complete, and the work is a collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

"The Downtown Revitalization Project seeks to restore vitality and charm to the city of Nassau by increasing functionality, improving the city's aesthetics and creating sustainable practices to enhance the overall downtown experience for visitors and residents alike," the statement said.

"A technical team along with the Ministry of Works have begun investigating the longstanding flooding issues and is in the preliminary stage of finding a permanent solution that would remedy extreme flooding in the downtown area."

Ministry of Tourism Global Relations Consultant Senator Randy Rolle, who leads the Downtown Revitalization Project, said that the flooding remediation is a long-term goal, especially given that they have identified "a lot of blockages".

"We understand that this is a short-term fix, and it may give us temporary relief," said Rolle.

He added: "Resolving the issue of flooding in the downtown area over the long term requires substantial changes to the infrastructure and is a matter that we have to work closely with the experts to resolve.

"This matter will be addressed by the deputy prime minister and his ministerial colleague in public works for a permanent, long-term solution.

"But in the interim, we're happy that the works currently being undertaken should bring some small relief."

According to the statement, the remediation work will begin with Dowdeswell Street, School Lane, Victoria Street and East Bay Street to remediate the blockage issue to alleviate flooding downtown.

The statement said once the culverts are cleared, they will undergo quarterly cleanings moving forward.

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