National

Family Island Infrastructure A Focus For Government Says Works Minister

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Davis administration has no plans to slow its ambitious push to enhance infrastructure across the Family Islands.

Published

7 months ago

June 11, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Davis administration has no plans to slow its ambitious push to enhance infrastructure across the Family Islands.

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting provided an update on ongoing and upcoming projects during his contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in Parliament this morning.

Sweeting told MPs that Bahamians across the country can expect tangible improvements in the coming fiscal year, including smoother roads, more reliable water supply, new docks, and bridges.

“We are building better, we are building stronger, and we are building smarter, for every Bahamian, no matter where they live,” said Minister Sweeting. “This administration is not just talking about transformation, we are driving it. As we ‘hop’ from island to island through this budget, what becomes clear is this: the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs is not waiting for an opportunity to arrive, we are delivering it.”

The majority of these infrastructure projects are being executed through public-private partnerships on islands such as Eleuthera, Exuma, and Andros.

Minister Sweeting also addressed recent confusion regarding Bahamas Hot Mix (Bahamix), clarifying that while the company has long been affiliated with the government, it operates as a private entity. He noted that Bahamix now has a formal board that will improve how the government undertakes road paving and maintenance.

“On tap for Bahamix will be new fully functioning facilities, new equipment, and building capacity that will be carried out through a $90 million loan agreement with the IDB,” Sweeting revealed.

One of the most anticipated projects remains the reconstruction of the Glass Window Bridge in Eleuthera, a vital link that has sparked public debate due to cost and timeline concerns.

Sweeting laid out the preliminary cost breakdown for the project, which totals tens of millions:

– Staff accommodation and shipping: $18.2 million
– Site equipment, lighting, utility and traffic diversions: $6.4 million
– Temporary works including docks, haul roads, and road pads: $16.4 million
– Road works: $4.4 million
– North approach bridge: $2 million
– Main bridge construction: $25.4 million

With projects already underway and more to come, the government says it remains committed to delivering equitable, long-lasting infrastructure improvements across the nation’s islands.