Will Real Estate Sales Decline Due to Dump Smoke? | Bahamas Real Estate

As a fire erupted at the Landfill over the weekend it sent plumes of black toxic smoke that could be seen for miles across the western district.  Driving along Lake Cunningham, Baha Mar and Saunders Beach was nearly impossible with visibility being close to zero. A sad state for not only residents but businesses, workers and guest of Baha Mar and nearby Boutique Hotels to wake up to.

For decades Bahamian residents who live in the communities near the New Providence Landfill or better known as the “dump”, have been dealing with the rigorous clouds of toxic smoke engulfing their homes. Property owners and families have pleaded with government officials on this longstanding issue and have yet to see any improvements or changes in the right direction.

 

Many dangerous health conditions can be caused by inhaling or ingesting even small amounts of these pollutants. Small children, the elderly, or people with preexisting respiratory conditions can be especially vulnerable to some of these dioxins.  It was recently reported that an Air Quality Index reading of 151 showed up when driving through the toxic smoke near Gladstone Road.

The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality.  It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for you. A reading of 151 on the AQI means, unhealthy and everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

The effects of the “Dump” have even found their way into the Real Estate Market.  Slashed prices, scarce availability and wrecked infrastructure from years of pounding smoke are some of the many factors homeowners and buyers take into consideration when thinking about moving, returning, rebuilding or simply leaving the area permanently.

Emotionally and financially everyone is overwhelmed.  When the dump burns out of control it affects homes, schools, churches, restaurants, business. premiums go up, property sales & rentals are at a standstill in nearby neighborhoods; simply put The Bahamian economy suffers.

The Bahamas is now in a unique position to turn this unfortunate situation into something positive.  Instead of a traditional landfill we can consider alternative methods or renewable energy being used all around the world. Creating a waste to energy facility that incinerates garbage transforming chemical energy into thermal energy.  Another energy resource that comes from our garbage is the methane gas that is produced as the waste decays. This gas can be used as fuel.

The possibilities are endless!  So, imagine the positive effects of getting the dump under control.  Residents would not only have a more desirable and healthy environment to live in, but property owner’s and buyers can finally see the true value in their Real Estate.