Freeport, Grand BahamaﾅﾅModular Housing donated by Emerald Bay Holdings, Exuma arrived in Grand Bahama early this morning at the Container Port.
The housing modules which were used in Exuma during the construction phase of Four Seasons Emerald Bay Resort were carefully dismantled and shipped to Grand Bahama for use as temporary housing for many persons in the West End, East End and other areas most affected by the recent hurricanes.
On hand to receive the first shipment of 17 units, Senator, the Honourable Dr. Marcus Bethel expressed his gratitude to all of the companies involved in making it feasible to dismantle, ship and rebuild the modules on Grand Bahama Island.
“As a temporary measure, while the Ministry of Housing executes its mandate to provide new housing in Grand Bahama, under the Urban Renewal Programme, the housing will provide temporary relief to the many persons who lost their homes as a result of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne,” said Dr. Bethel.
The remaining 49 units are being transported to Grand Bahama over the ensuing weeks. When erected, the housing units will accommodate approximately 450 persons. ﾠDr. Bethel expressed his gratitude to Emerald Bay Holdings and International Buildings Systems for their assistance in this time of national crisis.
Sites are presently being prepared including, the laying down of a proper foundation to secure the housing and installation of utilities as well as plumbing. Included in the plans for the sites are cooking facilities, recreational areas and parking. Each of the units have air-conditioning and furniture.
Dr. Bethel also stated that the modules may be modified to place families together. “We will work closely with the Department of Social Services in the placement of families in the units to ensure that family members are together,” he said.
The revived community spirit of Grand Bahamians was in evidence as all of the persons involved from the Container Port i.e. Operations, Security and the Executive Office as well as Bahamas Customs volunteered their time on this Sunday morning to come out and ensure that the barge was off-loaded in a timely fashion. Dr. Bethel thanked the employees for volunteering their time.
