The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE residents of Smith Point were promised that a seawall would be built to stop the ongoing coastal and beach erosion, but there is still none after two years.

Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville assured residents in 2013 that the 2013/2014 budget would have the resources to construct the seawall.

Engineers were brought in and conducted assessments, submitted drawings and plans were announced sometime last year for construction of a 1,500ft cantilevered sheet piled seawall with capping beam.

However, to date, there has been no work initiated on the project and erosion of the shoreline continues to worsen.

Peter Turnquest, deputy leader of the Free National Movement, said promises of a seawall were made over two years ago to the residents.

“There is no evidence of progress. Meanwhile the beach is eroding severely and beginning to compromise the front road,” he said.

The Smith Point community hosts the popular Fish Fry every week for locals and visitors. The sea has already reclaimed a large portion of the land, and in order to prevent further erosion of the shoreline, a seawall is necessary.

Minister of Works and Urban Development Philip “Brave” Davis has visited the site and has met with residents about building a seawall in the settlement.

He previously said that the cost of the seawall was estimated between $1.5m to $2m. Mr Davis said it would include a six-foot wide sidewalk, with access to the beach, and a disabled access ramp at the western end.

Another pressing matter is the Fishing Hole Road, which is prone to frequent flooding during tidal surges at Hawksbill Creek.

The government had promised to rebuild the causeway by raising it and installing culverts beneath to alleviate the flooding.

So far, no work has commenced on that project either, even though some $12.6m has been allocated for the Ministry of Grand Bahama for capital works projects for Fishing Hole Road and construction of a new fire station, which is currently underway on Settler’s Way.

The Tribune contacted Dr Darville yesterday for an update on the seawall and Fishing Hole Road projects, but he did not return a call up to press time.