This week of November 8th, 2021 I was thankful to have the Chairman of Water and Sewage Corporation, Hon. Sylvanus Petty, stay in Abaco for two days and make a full assessment on our system. It was made clear to the Chairman our issues from the South to the North; water is an essential part of life and has to be continuous without interruption.
From what we have seen, the new water station for Marsh Harbour located by the Airport is near to completion. This facility will solve many of our issues. I have made it clear the need for this project to be completed as soon as possible. Water and Sewage will be making a press release to further detail current position and timeline. I would hope the system to be in a better operational state before Christmas, however in this new world of COVID, logistics are often difficult or delayed. I will follow-up again soon to confirm progress.
Resurfacing of the Pelican Shore road was a spoken topic; I am told there is a plan to have it done and it awaits funding. This will be followed up on and pushed to have completed. Eastern Shores was not on the original scope of works and is a separate project that will be moved on.
On the subject of sewage, the septic tank at Spring City domes had to be pumped again; I am setting up a regular schedule for this. One of the issues is a hole in the ground above the septic tank that allows rain to fill the tank; this will be fixed.
A meeting with the Abaco Chamber of Commerce Board was very helpful. We discussed challenges for the business community and what is being done to progress the recovery of Abaco. Some items discussed were the Port, Water and Sewage, SERZ, Airport, Small Business Assistance, Farming support, and many others. We will be working together so issues can be brought to attention and info on progress can be communicated.
I have spoken to Abaco Public Works about the potholes on the highway, they are awaiting materials; if these are not received soon I will have them provided locally. I have written to and spoken with Ministry of Public Works on some immediate issues and needs; including the traffic light at the four-way in downtown Marsh Harbour.
BPL is installing street lights, this is on-going. Mr. Green and I are in good communication, they are working hard on fixing many challenges left by Dorian.
The Emergency Orders expired this week and will not be extended. Curfew is no more and our freedom is restored. For too long we have been dictated to without proper checks and balances. In the House of Assembly rules were tabled to ensure safe COVID safety precautions and transition to normal business.
While in Nassau assisting the DPM in his Ministry, I am in many meetings and conferences that I'm able to speak about Abaco and encourage our growth.
I spoke with the Fly Fishing Association and will be helping them improve and grow the industry. Fly Fishing is becoming a very big industry world-wide and we are well positioned to take full advantage. Many more guides and lodges are needed; these are Bahamian Jobs and Businesses. We will be setting up training for new guides and assistance given to lodges. Abaco is ready and in a perfect location to expand this industry.
As always, smaller challenges are regularly pursued.
Please feel free to email me at John@JohnPinderAbaco.com
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