Works Ministry Launches Drainage Program in Flood-prone Pinewood Community

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Flooding in Pinewood has long frustrated residents, however on Thursday, the Ministry of Works drainage crew began clearing and preparing Sapodilla Boulevard for a new lift station.

All eyes are now on the government to see if the drainage project brings real, permanent relief or just another temporary fix.

Sapodilla Boulevard is considered ground zero for the most severe flooding, often leaving roads impassable.

Minister of Works Clay Sweeting telling reporters on Thursday that the system will help keep drains clear and communities prone to flooding.

Clay Sweeting – Minister of Works and Utilities

“We are showing that the drains are ready for the rainy season, but this is also an area where the lift station will be installed to help alleviate some of the flooding where at times, it gets to a foot and a half during the rainy season.”

The ministry’s plans doesn’t stop at new technology, as engineers are also on the ground, mapping out the drainage system.

Assistant Engineer Mario Smith explains how the work is being carried out.

Mario Smith – Assistant Engineer, Ministry of Works

“Well, on this particular road were have documented about 6 drainage wells that’s right here, but…I would say about 50 to 60 within the Pinewood Gardens development as a whole, so we’ll go around to the various locations and identify them…”

However, while officials highlight the scope of the project, residents say the reality has been years of frustration.

Resident of area, Dennis Rolle, tells us he’s seen little relief over the years.

Dennis Rolle – Resident, Pinewood Community

“I been living through Sapodilla Boulevard for years, I don’t know what Ministry of Works come out here this morning for, putting on this big comedy show. For years we been having problem with this drain, and this is the first time I ever see Ministry of Works been through here…”

“…All of these people and all of these cars like they doing something for us. There use to be a private contractor come through here atleast once or every six months to clear that drain and we had no problem.”

However, not everyone shares that skepticism.

Pinewood Resident –

“Yes ma’am I’m quite pleased, I welcome it, I’m quite pleased on what they’re planning on doing, and in hopes that it help us in the Pinewood Gardens area, cause you know as you can see I’m in the heart of it, and I have heavy flooding around in the back and on the side.”

Now, officials also tells us that there are also plans to expand the project to Pigeon Plum Street and Joan Heights.