By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A $4.8 million contract was signed by government on Friday for the construction of a seawall at Smith’s Point to end 25 years of progressive coastal erosion along the southern shore of the settlement in Grand Bahama.

Washington Smith, of Smith’s Construction, was awarded a contract for $4,825,839.35 to construct a 1,733ft concrete seawall with piled foundation, five foot wide sidewalk, ramp and steps to the beach.

The project, which also includes highway reinstatement and repairs, drainage, and street lighting, is estimated to take 26 weeks to complete.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said he found it extraordinary that so much of the land on which Smith’s Point residents remember having picnics a long time ago has now been reclaimed by the sea.

“I was told stories about ( of them) being able to picnic out in the ocean, and being able to point a spot out there that is now water,” he said.

Also attending the signing and groundbreaking were Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of Works and Urban Development, Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell.

Mr Christie said the government must pay a lot of attention to climate change in order to protect the Bahamas against the effects and impact associated with it. 

“The context is that unless countries take special steps engaging special policies and strategic initiatives, it would not be doing what it ought to protect itself and guarantee future generations of Bahamians that they will have a place to live in,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the Bahamas is not the only country threatened by rising sea levels. 

“I listened to leaders (in Paris) from the Pacific Islands talk about going to islands where they frequented when they were children, and knowing that where they once played no longer exists because the sea had claimed it, and I watched them speak of the possibility of islands disappearing,” he said.

Mr Christie recalled how settlements in Long Island were separated and devastated by water due to Hurricane Joaquin.

He said: “All efforts that the government makes to protect against coastal erosion can be major investments in furtherance of protecting the rights of citizens in our country to know they will be able to live in their communities, and be protected against nature and the harsh application of unpredictable forces of nature.”

Mr Davis said construction of the seawall at Smith’s Point represents another component of the package of capital investment the government promised for Grand Bahama.

He noted that the contracts and works at Fishing Hole Road and a new Fire Station on Settlers Way have already started and are under construction.

Mr Davis noted that, for many years, the southern shoreline along Smith’s Point has experienced progressive erosion as a consequence of storms and sea surges.

“I was shocked to see all the damage (here). There is no existing seawall to protect the shoreline, and due to the expanded erosion, sand and water are washed onto the road causing dangerous driving conditions,” he said.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, government invited four contractors to bid on the project - Waugh Construction Bahamas Ltd, Smith’s Construction, Treasure Coast Development and Freeport Construction. Of the three that responded and after due deliberation a contract was awarded to Smith’s Construction.

Mr Davis expressed confidence that Washington Smith will deliver quality work, and complete the project on time. “We are satisfied that he has high experience and technical expertise to complete his job on time and within budget,” he said.

Dr Darville described the signing and groundbreaking as a “truly good day for Smith’s Point”.

 “Smith’s Point is a very important community in Grand Bahama; it is a hub for tourism and cultural activity, entrepreneurship and home of the fish fry; it attracts locals and visitors,” he said.

Mr Darville said that, on coming to office in 2012, residents contacted him expressing concerns about the coastal erosion and the excessive damage it has caused, affecting their way of life. 

“This administration recognised the peculiar hardship faced by the people of East and West Grand Bahama and determined to impact the lives by fixing many of the capital works projects that have been ignored for many years,” he said.

East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, the representative for the area, was pleased that the government has made significant funds available for the seawall project in Smith’s Point.

 “This seawall project … has been long in coming, indeed over 25 years in coming. We are here to mark a significant step in the development of this community,” he said. 

Mr Turnquest noted that during the past four years he has advocated for a seawall at Smith’s Point and he commended the residents for not giving up and continuing to fight for the project.

“What we see today is an example of what can happen when a community works together with government and the representative (for the area) …”

He then tasked the contractor to ensure that the structure is one that the people can be proud of and that would enhance economic opportunity in the area. Mr Turnquest also asked that people are utilised in the construction phase as well. 

“Over last couple of years, Dr Darville and I have not agreed on much, and I am pleased he has followed through on his commitment and his word to make sure this project is started," he said. 

“I thank the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance for making funds available for this project, it is not an insignificant sum of money. And so he and the government are be congratulate for having fortitude and commitment to the people of Smith's Point to see this project through to completion,” he said.