FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, February 1, 2021 – For a limited time only, the Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) is offering its customers a Payment Plan Special to bring their accounts up-to-date. Customers are being offered two options:
- A penalty free write-off when “you pay your balance in full.”
- Pay 25 percent of your bill and the balance over six months “while maintaining your current balance each month.”
The GBUC is responsible for the collection and distribution of quality potable water throughout Grand Bahama Island (with the exception of an area developed by Tamarind Development Limited in Lucaya),” according to its website.
In a press release last week, the GBUC announced the installation of a three-million-gallon Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, which represents a $5 million investment.
Philcher Grant, GBUC’s Director of Operations, said that after months of extensive hydrogeological surveys, planning and design “we are delighted that this significant step in GBUC’s long-term storm hardening plan is now underway,” according to the release.
The release added: “Grand Bahamians and residents have experienced innumerable challenges to rebuild and recover since Hurricane Dorian ravaged the island in September 2019. Unprecedented damage was wrought on the utility, where in particular Wellfield 6, which serviced 60% of the island, suffered a catastrophic impact. The pumping station and wellfield were inundated with a 20-foot surge of seawater for over 18 hours. This has had a long-term salinity impact on that fresh water aquifer, which for decades had been a high quality, abundant and reliable supply of pristine drinking water for the island.
“The contract for the construction and commissioning of the RO facility, a key part of GBUC’s $5 million investment in water infrastructure, was awarded to Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM). Founded by Bahamian partners almost 40 years ago, BHM brings extensive experience in Reverse Osmosis systems and the treatment of brackish water to deliver reliable, cost-effective clean water.”
