NORTH ELEUTHERA, Bahamas — Minister of Public Works and Transport Neko Grant inspected a number of docks in Eleuthera when he travelled to the island, October 6.
He toured the sites with Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs; Assistant Engineer, Dion Monroe; Speaker of House and Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera Alvin Smith and several local government officials.
They inspected the docks to deduce what improvements and/or restorations needed to be undertaken to tackle damage done by Hurricane Irene.
The team visited the dock in Harbour Bay where they estimated the amount of work that needed to be carried out to bring that dock up to par.
Speaking to the journalists Minister Grant said, “You would note that there are presently any number of ferry boats tied up around the dock.
“Later today you will have the Fast Ferry out of New Providence and you will have another mailboat to the western side; and passengers and commercial cargo mixing is not something in the best interest of everybody,” he said.
“You would also note that Harbour Island boasts of one of the highest visitor returns in the country, so it is important that visitors and residents of Harbour Island are able to move in an atmosphere that is safe.”
Mr. Monroe explained they are looking at ways to expand the dock and make it usable for pedestrians, mailboats and the ferryboats.
He said the catwalk needs expansion so that pedestrians can stay on the catwalk until they leave the dock for safety reasons; and also some resurfacing of the concrete works is required.
Mr. Israel Johnson, Supervisor, Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Eleuthera said the work to be done on that dock is important, as up to 350 people pass through that dock on a daily basis.
The team also inspected the James Bay Dock that needs resurfacing due to damage sustained by Hurricane Irene and the Glass Window Bridge that also needs repairs after sustaining minor damage from the hurricane.
By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
