By LASHONNE OUTTEN, Guardian Staff Reporter

lashonne@nasguard.com

Exumians in Rolleville rejoiced yesterday after learning that the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) project to desalinate the potable water coming into their homes and businesses was completed.

Prime Minister Perry

Christie and the Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts, made a trip to the island on Monday to mark the end of phase 1 of a project designed to bring clear and purified drinking water to Rolleville and the surrounding Exuma communities.

"Many of you will recall my coming here, to your beautiful and vibrant island on June 1 of this year - exactly 199 days ago - to sign a contract on your behalf, at the insistence of your member of parliament, (Anthony Moss) to install new water mains and replace old and corroded mains in numerous sections of Great Exuma, and to install a Reverse Osmosis plant in Williams Town," Minister Roberts said. "The extension and the replacement of water mains will ensure that the overwhelming majority of those living on [Exuma] can finally have quality potable water," he continued, "As a result (of the extension and replacement of water mains), we can now deliver you water as promised, no longer discolored from rust or too salty to drink," he concluded.

According to Minister Roberts, the government will soon begin working on the second phase of the WSC project. At the end of phase two of the project, Minister Roberts indicated that pure potable water will be delivered to additional communities in Exuma. Further, he explained that at the end of both phases of the project, the government would have spent over $2 million in a bid to bring pure and clear drinking water to Exuma at any cost.

"The second phase of this project also includes the extension and replacement of water mains, so that we can deliver water to the communities of Stuart Manor, Curtis, Williams Town," he said.

This Exuma water project will cost The Bahamas government approximately $2.4 million. We intend to ensure that all residents and visitors to your island have the basic necessity of life."

The Minister of Works and Utilities, in his address to the Rolleville community, highlighted that one of the main objectives of the Perry Christie administration is to provide drinkable water and wastewater services throughout the length and breadth of the country.

"No government has placed more emphasis on water expansion and improvement in the Family Islands, than Perry Christie's government. I dare anyone to provide facts to the contrary!" Minister Roberts challenged.

In addition to providing essential resources like drinkable water to each of the Bahama islands, Prime Minister Christie said his government has committed itself to helping each Bahamian community overcome its challenges by setting up a strategic plan for each island.

"My government has come to understand very early on in our term that as we create a wonderful environment for those who come here to benefit from the potentials of our country, we must also do the same thing for our people who are expected to be good hosts to them," Mr Christie said.

Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed the belief that his government is diligently working to build up every Family Island, to ensure that residents on each of the major islands would no longer have to leave their homes to seek employment in Nassau or Grand Bahama.