The Bahamas will work to improve airport infrastructure with a $35 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank.
The loan will enhance connectivity between the four airports– Exuma, North Eleuthera, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay–in the Out Islands.
The project will finance modernization and maintenance of the airports, including a wide range of aviation and infrastructure improvements such as visual aids, lighting, runway beacons, mobile airport equipment, parking platforms and passenger terminals.
It will also take into account adaptation to and mitigation of climate change in the necessary construction work.
Air transport plays a key role in the economic integration of the Bahamas, as it is the main way in which tourists reach the archipelago.
It also allows residents of the islands access to goods and services offered only on New Providence, the island on which 70 percent of the country’s population lives.
The IDB loan is over 25 years, with a 5.5 year grace period and a LIBOR-based interest rate.
— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor
