Nassau, Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas has signed a $40 million contract with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the construction of a bridge and port in North Abaco. The EXIM Bank of China is funding the projects.
The project entails the design and construction of the Little Abaco Bridge at a cost of $6,580.985 and the North Abaco Port at a cost of $33,419,015. Work on the bridge commences in December and is expected to be completed in February 2013. The construction of the port will start in December and will be completed in November 2013.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, October 22.
Mr. Colin Higgs, Permanent Secretary for The Ministry of Works and Transport, said the projects would enhance the quality of life for fishermen in Abaco.
“The bridge will have an opening of 150 feet to allow water flow and in addition to restore tidal flow between the two islands – Little Abaco and Great Abaco – it will revive and permit fish migrations and will allow small pleasure crafts as well as small fishing vessels to go between the north and sides of Abaco without having to go the long way around by sea” said Mr. Higgs.
Mr. Higgs explained that the existing 300-feet causeway constructed in the early l960s across Angel Fish Creek separating Great and Little Abaco Islands effectively cut off tidal flow and fish migration between the islands and adversely affected the surrounding ecosystems and most notably fisheries.
“Construction of the new international and domestic port at Conch Rock Creek two miles north of Coopers Town is intended to provide an alternative to existing facilities in Marsh Harbour and will also facilitate proposed developments in Abaco and on the cays north of Treasure Cay.”
Signing on behalf of the Government was Mr. Higgs and Mr. Ehurd Cunningham, First Secretary for the Ministry of Finance. Signing on behalf of CHEC was Mr. Tang Zhongdong, Regional Director for CHEC, witnessed by a representative from the Embassy of China, Mr. Tan Jian.
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
