The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business

Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation has said sewerage works in Treasure Cay have been completed.

Sylvanus Petty said at a press conference yesterday, when asked about the post-Dorian works and the completion of the Treasure Cay waterworks project, that he is “very happy to report that the project has been completed. They are testing right now and they haven’t had any challenges from last year November".

He said: “So everything in Treasure Cay right now as far as the septic system is concerned is completed and we will be inviting the press down for a commissioning very soon as we consult with the minister on a time and we will be inviting down to Abaco.”

However, residents of Treasure Cay had a different take on the septic system works.

Daniel Proctor, second homeowner, told Tribune Business: “Sewer works are essentially complete but still not without problems. The manhole covers still have not arrived, leaving open holes allowing rain to enter and posing a danger.

“This past holiday week, system alarms were triggered when BPL (Bahamas Power and Light) power failed (as it often does) and was off for an extended period allowing holding tanks to fill up near capacity. No provision was ever made for generator back-up despite requests. All in all, the system is a vast improvement over three plus years of no system - but Treasure Cay still lacks a sewage treatment facility.”

Eric Bethel, property owner and amenities board member, also said: “They started putting in some water and sewerage and I think they still have to tie some of it in to the main system.

“But I know on my road they are still sending the truck every now and then to pump out lift stations.”

There are also reports of a lack of potable water on Treasure Cay. Treasure Cay, like much of North Abaco, was left devastated after Hurricane Dorian made landfall in September, 2019. The sewerage system has been a consistent problem despite Treasure Cay residents having raised money that was donated to the WSC to have the restoration works done.

The WSC took over a year to accept the funding offer from the residents, which had spanned from mid-2020 up until late 2021 when contracts were finally signed to complete the sewerage remediation work.