Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip Davis inspecting work being done near the junction of Soldier Road and Prince Charles Drive, during a media bus tour of the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP), on August 29. (BIS Photo / Letisha Henderson)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development the Hon. Philip
Davis said, on August 29, 2012, that, “all things being equal, and
no major unforeseen difficulties like the arrival of heavy rain being
experienced and based on the paving schedule as presented to the Ministry
of Works and Urban Development by the contractor”, it is proposed
to open up all roads within the New Providence Road Improvement Project
(NPRIP) for traffic on Monday, September 3, 2012, for school opening,
with at least the first coat of asphalt being applied.
“I caution, though, that the schedule
for initial paving on Bernard Road is for Saturday,
1st September, with Sunday
as a backup day,” Deputy Prime Minister Davis said, at a press conference
held at his Ministry, prior to a media bus tour of the NPRIP.
“There is still the possibility that Bernard Road may have to be closed
for a few days if unexpected difficulties are experienced, although,
like you, I sincerely hope not.”
He cautioned that his announcement is
not to say that the entire 15.7 miles of road-works will have been finished
as, there are still outstanding water main works at a crossing at the
old Village Road roundabout, connections along Village Road, and a connection
at Grace Avenue.
“Approximately half of the contracted
roads (some 7.2 miles) will have only the first layer of asphalt but
these are all expected to receive the final coat by the end of October,”
he said.
“In short, the roads will be open to
vehicular traffic, but works will continue.”
Deputy Prime Minister Davis said that
with the active support of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, school traffic
is expected to be free flowing.
“The police have worked out contingency
plans for any challenges which may yet materialise,” he said.
“The Police will maintain their efforts as works continue to ensure
that citizens have access to their homes, businesses, churches and schools
through to the completion of the project and beyond.”
Deputy Prime Minister Davis said that
during his Ministry’s last update and tour with the press on July
18, 2012, he indicated that the plan was to take advantage of lower
traffic volumes during July and August to further advance the road-works.
He added that as the NPRIP nears its
end, he wished to express his gratitude to the public for “putting
up” with the necessary disruption to their lives and their motor
vehicle movement.
“The Government is mindful that, going
forward, greater care must be taken to involve the community in the
planning stages of major works like this and to ensure that every effort
is made to lessen negative impact on the daily lives of citizens,”
Deputy Prime Minister Davis said.