By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FRUSTRATION is beginning to mount in the community of South Andros as the government continues to delay approval for a proposed $2 billion ten-year project despite the efforts of developers Solar Verde to meet all the “stringent requirements”.

A number of the community’s prominent business owners and residents have compiled a petition and presented it in support of the company’s eco-friendly and self-sustaining scheme.

The five-phase Solar Verde Bahamas project, which includes a marina and retail outlets at Kemp’s Bay, broke ground last May and promises jobs for the locals.

The first phase of the project would expand an existing marina in Kemp’s Bay and extend the nearby Congo Town airport runway to 13,000 feet, which is needed to transport workers, cargo planes and eventually tourists and additional infrastructure upgrades. The marina will be flanked by beaches on both sides, along with retail stores and commercial facilities.

According to Norwood Rahming, a former island administrator, the project is expected to spur the rebirth of South Andros. He said the community of South Andros has been left in the dark on issues pertaining to the major development - a development he said everyone needs to survive.

“Our people are ready. Solar Verde has presented its plans and we are all on board in South Andros. Everything associated with the project has been arranged by a group of people that wants to see Andros recover economically for a long period of time. This project has been put together in a way to ensure that Andros is capable of being self-sufficient for decades to come.

“I don’t know why there is a hold up. Highways, roadways, electrical capabilities, water arrangements - everything is covered in the plans presented by Solar Verde. On the ground in South Andros, as far as we know, this project is the best thing for Andros. We want this because we need this.”

Residents in South Andros said they believe the project would catapult Andros into the realm of being the third city the Bahamas needs.

“Look at Andros; we have sufficient space to fit the entire population of the Bahamas comfortably,” Tracey Knowles, another prominent local business owner told The Tribune. “But, every year we have our people leaving Andros to seek work in Nassau. We just need the infrastructure and jobs, that is what this project is working to offer. I moved here and I wanted to have some form of employment, but there are no jobs here. This project will make the difference.”

According to the developers, the Solar Verde project goes beyond the hotel, airport, marina and golf course. Future phases include bringing factories, industries, trade schools, a college and more.

Rita Grant, CEO of Solar Verde Bahamas, told The Tribune: “We are looking forward with great anticipation to this project coming to life, we have waited for a very long time and we have confirmed backing. We are looking forward to working with the relevant government agencies to facilitate the smooth and swift transition of the necessary funds and documents that are needed to make this project a success for South Andros.

“This is a detailed master plan that was carefully crafted so that we do not lose even one of the special qualities that exist in South Andros. So detailed that it protects the birds, the fishes and the crabs that South Andros is so famous for,” said Mrs Grant, a Bahamian. “This plan incorporates proper drainage systems, sidewalks, a place for persons to pull over if something happens to their vehicles, minor things that may not seem to be important but are. These plans were submitted to the government in 2012.

“It is very important to understand that some persons are suggesting breaking up the project, when they know full well that this will not work. You have to keep in mind that no other group of individuals would spend the money needed to develop the proper infrastructure such as the roads and the lights which essentially makes no sense and is not profitable for the community of South Andros.

“We have created new industry that will bring training on every level, so that not one person between the ages of 18 and 65 in South Andros will be without a job if they want to work.”

The first phase of the project is expected to pump $3.5 million into South Andros’ economy by way of salaries and create around 180 jobs. The Solar Verde developers said they had obtained all the necessary permits and approvals from the government to start the project when they broke ground last year.