Tests to the fire extinguishers and sprinkler system at the General Post Office at the Town Centre Mall led to what’s known as a water incursion in the mail sorting area on Friday morning. 

Minister responsible, Renward Wells explained in a release that prior to the Post Office occupying the premises, the sprinkler system was successfully tested for adequacy and integrity.

Subsequent to that test, it was determined that even though the existing system was acceptable, a more modern and reliable one would be best.

However, upon conducting hydrostatic tests, the pressure caused pipes to separate. 

This in turn led to water damage to some of the mail and two employees having to go home and change. 

“My concern was and I did ask, ‘Why did they choose to test the line while persons were in the work environment?’  I am now understanding that there could have been some impact from testing the lines,” Bahamas Public Service Union President Kimsley Ferguson said.

“That was my only concern.  However, nobody was injured and we’re satisfied that the situation is going to be corrected.” 

According to Minister Wells, the pressure value was immediately shut down, the integrity of the system has been assured and the affected mail has been dried. 

Persons whose mail was affected are reportedly being notified individually.