HURRICANE DORIAN RESPONSE IN THE BAHAMAS
Bahamas, 2019-2021
Sextant, SBP, Project HOPE, and Water Mission teamed up to respond to energy and water needs in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.
SUMMARY
OVERVIEW
Reverse Osmosis systems, rainwater catchment systems, or solar and battery backup systems are being installed at a hospital, several clinics, a primary school, and a children's home across the Bahamas.
Our volunteers and partners are working with local laborers and ensuring onsite facilities staff can effectively manage the systems moving forward. These systems will ensure reliable, sustainable sources of energy and water for these facilities and the communities they serve in the event of another hurricane or natural disaster.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
The Grand Bahama Children’s Home (GBCH), suffered devastating destruction due to Hurricane Dorian in 2019. While the facilities have been rebuilt, GBCH's ability to source funding from the local community has diminished. As such, SBP and Sextant are proposing a solar design to drastically reduce overhead expenses so that future funds can help support direct programming for the children.
Cost Savings & Value: Based on pre-Hurricane Dorian energy costs, the estimated monetary savings over the course of a year due to this project will be between $50,000 and $55,000. The increased capacities of this system will allow GBCH to run their critical loads on the batteries in the event of a multi-day power outage.
Estimated Budget: $225,000 of which we still need $180,000
Timeline: Funds are needed March 31, 2021
Contact: sbunsen@sextantfoundation.org if you are interested in supporting this project
"After the hurricane in the Bahamas, I led a team of engineers to assess some of the public health facilities - one of two hospitals in the country and several primary care clinics on Abaco Island. We worked in partnership with two more wonderful organizations, the SBP and Project HOPE. Our volunteers for this mission included Samantha Sharp of Sherwood Engineers, Sean Brice, of TCI Engineers, Deborah Czubkowski of Broward College, and Scott Czubkowski of Medxcel. It was a great team, and they continue to help even though all have returned to their real jobs."