By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday dismissed a predecessor’s assertion that the now-$60m price tag for reconstructing Eleuthera’s Glass Window Bridge is “frightening”.

Clay Sweeting, minister of works and Family Island affairs, blamed post-COVID 19 inflation for increasing construction costs while arguing that concerns voiced over the price tag by Desmond Bannister, ex-deputy prime minister, were misplaced.

He added that Mr Bannister, who preceded him as minister of works, had given a $26.1m-$35.6m cost range based on preliminary studies that did not include all factors influencing the final price.

Responding to Mr Bannister’s call for the price of the bridge’s reconstruction to be investigated, Mr Sweeting said: “When I took on the role as minister of works and Family Island affairs in September 2023, the reconstruction of the Glass Window Bridge was one of the first projects I was briefed on.

“I noted that the feasibility study undertaken in November 2020 had the bridge cost in the region of $26.1m to $35.6m.The study considered five different options,” said Mr Sweeting. “The cost of the bridge in 2020 that Mr Bannister is referring to during the interview was based on the preliminary design assumptions.

“However, the preliminary design stage does not have a detailed geotechnical study included. The costs at that stage are only for comparison between the different options.” Speaking to reporters, Mr Bannister said it was “frightening” that the cost of reconstruction, estimated to be between $30m to $35m in 2021, has almost doubled.

He added that when the Free National Movement (FNM) was voted out of office plans were already in place at the Ministry of Works to rebuild the bridge and make it a tourist attraction. “For the cost to almost double within a few years is frightening,” said Mr Bannister.

“It shouldn’t happen. We knew what the costs were, and I could see the cost increasing a little bit. But to see the cost increase that much requires a tremendous amount of accounting. It requires some accountability, and I hope that the Opposition will hold the Government’s feet to the fire in the interest of the Bahamian people and in the interest of the people of Eleuthera.

“The Free National Movement accepted some studies that provided the best positioning for the bridge, the safest positioning, the positioning that would make it available all of the time, and would also make it a suitable tourist attraction, a wonderful tourist attraction. The plans are all in the Ministry of Works.”

Mr Sweeting, however, pointed out that once the geotechnical study was conducted, and the cost of building materials increased after the pandemic, the total price of the project increased to $60m.

“The estimated cost of the reconstruction increased during the ‘detailed design stage’ where the length of the bridge was increased as voids were found at the southern end of the scheme,” said Mr Sweeting.

“Also, during the geotechnical stage the foundations were designed, which further increased the cost. The costs undertaken in 2020 were based upon preliminary design and pre-COVID construction costs. The final cost of the geotechnical stage, coupled with construction inflation cost over the past five years, have brought us to the final cost of $60m.”

Mr Sweeting added that the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) confirmed the cost of materials had increased by 60 percent since the pandemic, and invited Mr Bannister to review the plans for the Glass Window Bridge before casting aspersions and “attempting to cause alarm”.

The minister said Cabinet has approved funding for the bridge through a loan from United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) and, once the agreement is finalised in 2025, construction will begin with work expected to be completed by early 2027.

“The Cabinet of The Bahamas recently approved the use of United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) credit support to finance the construction of the Glass Window Bridge,” said Mr Sweeting.

“This approach benefits the Government by accelerating project delivery and securing financing at competitive rates. The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the loan will be secured through the Bridge Authority.

“It is anticipated that the loan agreement will be finalised in early 2025, with funds drawn down, allowing construction to begin. This suggests a completion date for the bridge for early 2027.”