WSC commissions new potable water plant in Barraterre
The Water and Sewerage Corporation has commissioned a new potable water plant in Barraterre, Exuma, marking a major upgrade to the island’s water infrastructure and ending reliance on water trucking. The $9.1 million investment delivers a modern, reliable supply to households and businesses across the community.
A modern system for Exuma
Work began in August 2023 and included the installation of 32,650 feet of new PVC mains to extend service and improve pressure and reliability. The project reached completion in April 2024, transitioning residents to a consistent piped network designed to meet present and future demand.
The eight-month initiative was carried out in partnership with Rowdy Boyz Construction, reflecting a coordinated effort to deliver key public infrastructure on schedule.
“Fairness and dignity” for families
At the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis emphasized the impact of dependable water on daily life and economic opportunity. “Our government is determined that no Bahamian should be told to wait for the basics of life,” he said. “This water system is about fairness and dignity. Every family deserves reliable water. Without it, there is no healthcare, no schools, no farming, no tourism, no business. With it, communities thrive. That is why today matters.”
He noted that the modernization of water systems is part of broader national progress alongside renewable energy initiatives, ensuring that “no settlement is left behind.” Reliable infrastructure, he added, provides the foundation for families and businesses to plan, invest, and grow with confidence.
Personal significance for Exuma
Deputy Prime Minister and Exumas and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper reflected on the transformation for residents who once lived without running water. “For me, this is personal,” he said. “I can remember not so fondly as a young boy growing up in little Exuma, we had no running water… If you wanted [it], you carried it, you fetched it, you learn to make do and learned early how hard life can be when something so basic is missing.”
He hailed the project as a milestone that will improve daily life, support local businesses, and strengthen the island’s long-term prospects in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and small enterprise.
Building resilient communities
The Barraterre plant and expanded distribution network are expected to enhance water pressure, reduce service interruptions, and improve public health outcomes. By moving away from trucking, the system also lowers operational costs and environmental impacts associated with transport, while providing a stable foundation for future development.
Officials underscored Exuma’s importance to the national story—its culture, people, and economy—and framed the new system as a commitment to equitable access to essential services. For young people and families planning their futures on the island, the promise is clear: reliable, modern infrastructure that enables communities to thrive.
