Freeport, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) is excited to announce its state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, which represents a $5 million-dollar investment is now fully operational and has successfully completed the testing and commissioning phase of its installment. The three-million-gallon RO facility has been extensively tested and monitored consistently over 30-days and the utility has received approval to officially declare island-wide potability.
Philcher Grant, GBUC and Public Affairs Chief Operating Officer stated, “Grand Bahamians and residents have experienced and overcome numerous challenges since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island back in September 2019. The GBUC team, along with Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM), the contractor responsible for the construction and commissioning of the RO facility, has continued working tirelessly to complete this project and now that potability is here, we can ensure our customers will have a reliable, potable water supply for years to come.”
Ms. Grant added that it has been a “costly but rewarding journey” because of various setbacks due to the pandemic and supply chain issues. However, Ms. Grant continued, “this is also a significant achievement for GBUC and its partners as the company continues to progress and invest in building back stronger and better to ensure its resiliency against climate change and future storms.”
Since Hurricane Dorian’s passage, the utility was able to declare potability to 70% of the island in July 2020, bringing much needed relief to many residents. GBUC also absorbed the full financial impact while providing several amenities to residents in non-potable areas, such as the 25% discount on utility bills and the water depots that provided free, potable water to residents located in those communities.
Anastacia Rahming, Utility Relations Supervisor noted that as the utility embraces full potability, customers may notice a few changes including the higher quality of the water, discontinuation of the current 25% discount and the elimination of water depots. “We understand how difficult it can be for customers to bring their accounts up-to-date, so we are committed to providing payment plan options, designed specifically for those needing help to manage and maintain their utility accounts.”
GBUC’s Christmas Payment Plans will grant customers the option to pay either 50% of their outstanding bill and the remainder over a 6-month period, or pay in full and waive all interest fees up to three years.
# # #