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IDB and The Bahamas Sign Agreement to Upgrade Potable Water Supply and Sanitation Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed an agreement with The Bahamas to enhance the water supply coverage, service quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC).

Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, WSC Executive Chairman Trajean Jadorette, and IDB President Ilan Goldfajn signed the agreement during the IDB’s XIII Annual Consultation with Caribbean Governors in The Bahamas.   

“Today's signing is an important step in our continued collaboration with the government of The Bahamas. We are confident that this project will make a significant difference in the provision of water and sanitation services to more Bahamians and improve their lives,” said President Goldfajn.

This program aims to improve potable water services coverage in the Family Islands and New Providence, and sanitation services reliability in New Providence. Additionally, it will improve the operational and financial performance of the WSC through water loss reduction and smart metering, as well as its governance and that of the water and sanitation sector. 

The first individual loan will directly benefit 65,000 households (235,000 people), 48,103 in New Providence and 16,897 in the Family Islands, by improving the provision of drinking water services. Additionally, nearly 10,500 households in New Providence will benefit from improved access to reliable sewerage collection services.

Furthermore, 573 households (1,530 people) in the Family Islands and 645 households (2,400 people) in New Providence will benefit from the expansion of potable water supply coverage.

The entire Bahamian population will benefit indirectly from the strengthening of the sector's policy-making capacity and regulatory framework, improved governance and operational efficiency of the WSC, and greater resilience in access to drinking water through enhanced efficiency in its use.

The IDB's Board of Executive Directors approved this operation in November 2024 as part of a Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) totaling US$100 million, with an initial loan of US$50 million under this credit line. This signing formalizes the agreement with the government of The Bahamas and enables the start of project execution.

 

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn and Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Edward Davis

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn and Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Edward Davis during the signing. 

For more photos, click here.

About the IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region’s public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.

Contacts

Garcia,Geraldine

Garcia,Geraldine
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