By Shenia Roberts
Journal Staff Writer

More than 200,000 people in 65,000 households will benefit from a newly-signed agreement
between the Water and Sewerage Company and the International Development
Bank.
The agreement signed on Monday at the end of the bank’s XIII Annual
Consultation with the governors of IDB Caribbean member countries provided the
government with a $100 million conditional credit line for investment from the
IDB including an initial $50 million water supply support loan.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis and IDB president Ilan Goldfajn were at the event at
the Baha Mar resort. They both shared their excitement about the agreement’s
significance.
The investment will provide sustainable, reliable water and wastewater services
nationwide. To make that happen, there will be upgrades to infrastructure,
technology, tools and methods. Officials also say funding will be allocated to
promote operational efficiency and improve service reliability in all areas
especially throughout the family islands.
In addition to these improvements, Water and Sewerage is also planning to
introduce smart digital meters. This advanced technology will enable faster
meter readings, ensure accuracy of bills and detect leaks faster. These upgrades
officials say will help consumers better manage their bills and avoid unnecessary
costs. 
Prime Minister Davis said, “we remain steadfast in our commitment to
improving the delivery of water and sanitation services to every Bahamian,
especially as we confront the challenges of climate change and rapid
urbanisation.”
The IDB president emphasized the bank’s commitment to its partnership with The
Bahamas and reassured officials that there will be more partnerships to promote
infrastructural upgrades and environmental preservation.