The Water and Sewerage Corporation signed two contracts yesterday totalling over $4m to extend water supplies to the communities of Pinewood (Phase B), Boatswain Hill, and Coral Lakes.

The contract signing follows a tender process that started in 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works and Urban Development Philip “Brave” Davis, who was present at the signing, emphasised the government’s commitment “to expand and improve water supply to communities in need”.

He said this extends past New Providence to the Family Islands, as evidenced by the recent announcement of the $41m water supply improvement project being partially financed by the Caribbean Development Bank, which will also address potable water needs in Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Long Island, San Salvador, and South Andros.”

Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller, who was recently appointed as WSC chairman, said: “These communities have suffered from a lack of potable water since their development, and the government is extremely pleased to bring this relief.”

Mr Miller also expressed his excitement at being able to continue his contribution to the advancement of infrastructure in the country for all Bahamians.

The contract for Pinewood (Phase B) was awarded to Apex Underground Utilities & Construction Ltd for just under $2.7m, while the contract for Coral Lakes and Boatswain Hill was awarded to Proline Underground Utilities & Construction Ltd for just under $1.4m.

The combined work includes about 12 miles of water mains and over 600 service laterals.

Additionally, work to be executed outside of the contracts includes well testing, public relations related activities to encourage all residents to quickly connect to the new system, and work required to condemn existing private wells where the groundwater is contaminated. Over $6.5m will be invested in both projects.

Both companies received the contracts through competitive public tenders and are experienced contractors in the sector. The principles, Gregory Miller (Apex) and James Rolle (Proline), expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm to get the work completed in the shortest possible time.

Khaalis Rolle, MP for Pinewood, and Michael Halkitis, MP for Golden Isles, expressed their gratitude for the projects that will directly benefit the residents of their respective constituencies.