The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

MINISTRY of Works officials yesterday signed a $7m contract to reconstruct a “critically important” stretch of road in North Andros leading up to the recently built Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Sciences Institute (BAMSI).

Works Minister Philip “Brave” Davis declared the island now “open for business”.

The reconstruction of the 9.7 miles of road is expected to take six months.

Mr Davis added that the project proves the government remains committed to restoring hope for Bahamians and that North Andros “paves the way”.

Mr Davis said: “With the opening of BAMSI in September (last) year, it became critical that the main road between BAMSI and the San Andros Airport be reconstructed and paved with hot-mix asphalt.

“By reason of exigencies, technical officers in my ministry engaged Bethell’s Trucking and Heavy Equipment in negotiations to agree a price to reconstruct some 9.7 miles of the main road from the San Andros Airport to the major crossing south of the BAMSI site. Resulting from the negotiations, the award of a contract in the base sum of $7,106,801.87 to Bethell’s Trucking and Heavy Equipment to undertake the road works was approved,” Mr Davis added.

The range of work will include the clearing of verges, scarifying of existing pavement, procuring and shaping of fill pavement, procuring and placing of asphaltic concrete, and the installation of line marking, signage, culverts and wing walls, Mr Davis said.

This contract marks phase one of many aimed at equipping the island with “world-class roadways,” the deputy prime minister added.

He said: “For North and Central Andros, this marks only the beginning of phased road works. As early as 2013, technical officers in my ministry rescoped 79.3 miles of settlement and main roads in North Andros and Central Andros for repair and reconstruction, including the settlement roads and upgrade of the water distribution mains in Mastic Point and Nicholls Town.”

The contract is scheduled for six months and will employ 40-50 persons, mostly from North Andros, officials said.

North Andros MP Dr Perry Gomez yesterday called the roadway reconstruction project a “relief”. He said that the project will bring relief to the residents of the island who have been frustrated for quite sometime over road conditions in Andros.

“Truly the people of North Andros and to a point, the people of Central Andros have really suffered for a long time. This project will facilitate joy; true joy will be brought to the people of Andros with the project. For North Andros, this is the day that the Lord has made,” said Dr Gomez.

Residents of Andros have said the roadway connecting BAMSI to the San Andros Airport are known to flood because of its severe state of deterioration.

Last year, Prime Minister Perry Christie explained that the government intended to spend $100m on infrastructure upgrades over the course of the BAMSI development project.

Mr Davis confirmed that there remains about 70 miles of Andros roadway left for reconstruction. He indicated that those efforts would begin as soon as the necessary funds are identified and made available.

“When we campaigned for office, the Progressive Liberal Party committed to the restoration of hope and economy for Bahamians. While challenges remain afoot, we remain committed to our Charter (for Governance). North Andros paves the way,” Mr Davis said.