General manager at BAIC, Troi Ferguson, told The Guardian Monday the corporation has already identified a company that can supply the sand.
Mr. Ferguson said based on reports coming in, the sand shortage arises because there is only one supplier and it is causing problems in terms of delivery and pricing.
“BAIC is basically trying to find alternative means of supplying the sand; trying to develop business opportunities for other aspiring Bahamian investment groups,” he said.
Mr. Ferguson said “BAIC has invested property in Hatchet Bay that has a significant supply of sand on it. Now we have a proposal in with government, but we have been advised to wait until we get approval from the government before we proceed, if at all. But BAIC has a responsibility, nevertheless, to try to identify other possible investment groups who can provide an alternative, in terms of providing some service or product.
“We have identified a source, we have spoken with various groups of persons who are interested in providing the sand and now it is just a matter of getting the necessary approval from government so that the project can move ahead,” he said, adding that the project has the potential to provide benefits for all concerned, particularly contractors, as well as people who want to get into the business of excavating sand.
In Hatchet Bay, Mr. Ferguson said the sand is piled real high.
“We think that this will provide a good opportunity for Bahamians to be empowered in terms of developing a successful business because there is a high demand for sand,” he said.
Although sand supplies have been “normalised”, Bahamas Truckers and Heavy Equipment Association president Louis Deveaux blamed the recent shortage on the monopoly held by Country Sand Company, owned by Captain James Curling.
About two weeks ago, irate truck drivers, claiming that the problem has existed for several months, said they lined up at Arawak Cay for hours and left without their orders being filled.
Describing the shortages as “totally unacceptable,” and calling for an end to Captain Curling’s monopoly, Mr Deveaux said the numerous sandbanks located throughout The Bahamas should have ensured a more than adequate sand supply.
According to Mr Deveaux, sand shortages had a domino effect on the economy, as it could bring the construction industry to a “virtual standstill.”
When no sand is available, he said: “The block companies are unable to produce blocks; concrete companies are unable to produce concrete, and needless to say, countless of individuals are out of work, and the worst of all, the children are going hungry because their breadwinners are out a pay cheque.”
He suggested that the government consider granting sand mining licences for a period of five to 10 years subject to a renewal based on performance, with at any time three persons being licensed.
In speaking with the Guardian at that time, Captain Curling attributed supply difficulties to a combination of bad weather and malfunctioning equipment.
Captain Curling, who said he has been in the business since 1993, also dismissed reports of price increases. He said when he started out in the business 10 years ago the price of sand was $10 per ton, and today the price (controlled by government) remains the same despite the rising cost of diesel and fuel, and the distance for sand dredging which has tripled from three to 15 miles.
He said his dredging operation takes place some 15 miles from Nassau at the eastern end of Rose Island.
By Keva Lightbourne, The Nassau Guardian
