Plans to solve New Providence’s chronic water shortages by laying a multi-million dollar pipeline between Andros and this island were turned down becasue the risks were too high, the Minister of Works and Public Utilities said yesterday, describing it as a “ahead of its time for now”.
Bradley Roberts said the proposal by Hydro Bahamas, which committed to deliver 10 million gallons of fresh water per day to New Providence by pipeline from new wellfields in Andros raised too many questions on technical and engineering aspects.
Although he acknowledged that the Hydro Bahamas plan appeared initially to be a cure-all solution, a major capital investment in expanding the Andros wellfields was required. the pipeline would also have to be installed across the deep water Tongue of the Ocean.
Mr. Roberts said the reverse osmosis plant option, which yesterday saw Consolidated Water awarded the contract to build, own and operate (BOO) a plant at Blue Hills, was the most cost effective option for the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Source: Neil Hartnell, The Tribune
