Two years ago, on September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian devastated picturesque Abaco Island in the Bahamas including its water infrastructure resulting in significant damage to the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s water supply distribution system.

As we sadly mark the 2nd anniversary of the Hurricane’s impact on the Abacos, the Corporation has committed that all infrastructural systems rebuilt in the Abacos will be stronger and more climate resilient to withstand potential future storms. As part of this commitment, WSC has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the international non-governmental organization (NGO) Water Mission to design and construct a 120 kilowatt solar field for our Marsh Harbour wellfields and a 216 kilowatt solar field for our Marsh Harbour Pumping Station.

Works at the Marsh Harbour site also include a new 1,500,000 imperial gallon storage tank which is complete and a new modern pumping station with premium efficiency pumps and an energy management system to maximize the use of solar power while keeping our BPL power supply and new on-site standby generators ready to provide any additional power demands.

The solar project works are estimated in excess of $2.5MN with the WSC works at the Marsh Harbour Pumping Station Compound and Wellfields in the range of $4.1MN. A further $2.6MN of the works have been contracted to rebuild and improve the Marsh Harbour water distribution system with a further $1.0MN of works to be contracted in the near future.

The Corporation appreciates the understanding, patience and support of our valued customers in the wider Marsh Harbour Area as we along with our partners work to rebuild a stronger, more climate resilient water supply system and offer these photos showing the progress being made. The government and people of the Bahamas wishes to thank Water Mission and UNICEF for their kind assistance in helping to restore Abaco’s water supply system.