The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) has signed an $18 million dollar contract with Island Site Development (ISD), to rehabilitate and construct pumping stations and several wastewater treatment plants in the capital. The contract is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The announcement came Tuesday in a press statement issued to media by WSC chairman Adrian Gibson, who also led a media tour to Fox Hill, Malcolm Park, Flamingo Gardens and the Airport Industrial Park – areas where regional wastewater plants will be located. These plants are expected to reduce maintenance costs to the Corporation and increase the efficiency of the wastewater collection and disposal system. The construction of these plants was divided into two parts: small works that addressed small lift stations, and major works which include treatment plants and major pumping stations. And as for the Corporation’s Sewer Master Plan, Gibson said more than $600 million dollars has been allocated to provide sewer services throughout New Providence.

A study was conducted on the over-the-hill areas on the cost to provide sanitary sewer services and this was estimated to be approximately $80 million dollars. This is presently being reviewed by the government. According to WSC, the main benefit of a centralized sewer collection and treatment system is to reduce the number of septic tanks and outside toilets, thus reducing the threat of contamination of the environment and the risk of waterborne diseases. The overall project, the WSC said, is expected to enhance the quality of treatment and disposal of wastewater and subsequently improve the overall sewerage services to all customers throughout New Providence. The major work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2019.