Burgess: ‘Major Steps On Asbestos’
Works Minister Derrick Burgess said finding a permanent solution for the disposal of tons of absestos stored in Bermuda for decades had been a top priority in the hundred days since Premier Paula Cox took office.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday [Feb. 3] with other Cabinet Ministers, Mr. Burgess said formulating an action plan for removing the asbestos has been a top priority in recent months.
“Asbestos Containing Materials [ACM] have been stockpiled in Bermuda for the past 30 years awaiting suitable disposal,” he said. “Currently, these materials are stored at the Government Quarry and the former US Base Lands at Southside. As a result of ongoing deterioration of the storage containers, it is essential that we develop a disposal method for the currently stored ACM and for the ACM which has yet to be removed from structures in Bermuda.
“During the first 100 days, the Government has taken major steps to resolve this long outstanding matter. The Ministry of Public Works has reviewed all available disposal options, inclusive of a cost analysis, and within the next few weeks will seek Cabinet’s approval for a recommended disposal option.”
Minister Burgess also cited steps taken by the Works Ministry to facilitate resort developments at 9 Beaches in Sandys and Morgan’s Point over the last hundred days as examples of Government’s commitment to revitalising both the tourism and construction sectors.
And he said the recently unveiled War Memorial in the grounds of the Cabinet Office underscored Government’s resolve to never forget the sacrifices of Bermuda’s men and women during World War One (1914-1918) and World War Two (1939-1945).
Minister Burgess’s full statement appears below:
I NEW WAR MEMORIAL
The unveiling of the new war memorial here on the grounds of the Cabinet Building on 12th December, 2010 was an undisputed highlight of the first 100 days of the Cox Government.Celebrated American author Maya Angelou writes: “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
The new war memorial, designed and constructed by the Ministry of Public Works, with landscaping provided by the Department of Parks, marks the fulfilment of the Government’s wish to pay tribute to every man and woman who served our Island during the Great Wars.
The new war memorial will remain forever as a glowing example of a Government doing the right thing.
II COMMITMENT TO ISLAND’S HOTEL INDUSTRY
During the first 100 days, the Government demonstrated its commitment to preserving and strengthening the Island’s critically important hotel industry in two significant ways.Passage of the “Base Lands Development Amendment Act 2010” in December 2010 whereby the Bermuda Land Development Company Ltd. [BLDC] was given the legal authority to offer a lease for as long as 262 years, paved the way for the tabling of the sub lease with respect to the $80 million 9 Beaches Development at Daniel’s Head, Sandys.
The Government also tabled the Bill entitled “Morgan’s Point Resort Act 2010”, paving the way for the development of a world class mixed use tourism facility at Morgan’s Point, Southampton – along with the obvious benefits to the construction industry.
Consideration of the 9 Beaches Resort sub lease and the Morgan’s Point Resort Bill will continue during the forthcoming Legislative Session.
III ROAD IMPROVEMENTS NEAR ENTRANCE TO HORSESHOE BAY
The Government embarked upon a major road improvement scheme near the entrance to Horseshoe Bay, Southampton, one of the Island’s most popular beaches. The scheme will enhance the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. It will also facilitate buses discharging their passengers far more safely, particularly during the tourism season when hundreds of cruise ship passengers converge on the beach daily. The scheme also includes the construction of a larger bus shelter for east bound passengers.IV DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS [ACM]
Asbestos Containing Materials [ACM] have been stockpiled in Bermuda for the past thirty years awaiting suitable disposal. Currently, these materials are stored at the Government Quarry and the former U.S. Base Lands at Southside. As a result of ongoing deterioration of the storage containers, it is essential that we develop a disposal method for the currently stored ACM and for the ACM which has yet to be removed from structures in Bermuda.During the first 100 days, the Government has taken major steps to resolve this long outstanding matter. The Ministry of Public Works has reviewed all available disposal options, inclusive of a cost analysis, and within the next few weeks will seek Cabinet’s approval for a recommended disposal option.
V IMPROVED ACCESS TO POTABLE WATER FOR EAST END RESIDENTS
Many East End residents have experienced difficulty in accessing potable water in the past. In order to address this matter, the Government commissioned a Reverse Osmosis Plant intended to increase the Government’s potable water supply and distribution capabilities from 35,000 to 155,000 US gallons per day for the clients in the east end who receive piped water.The Government also relocated the containerized Reverse Osmosis Plant to Ship’s Wharf, St. David’s to assist the Bermuda Land Development Company Ltd. in the provision of potable water to its Water Truckers’ outlets, principally for the benefit of residents of the East End.
Will the minister please reveal the cost of removing asbestos from buildings at South Side and the bidding process???
Yes Minister, would you or your PS be kind enough to inform the public about the bidding process and the cost.
Oh great! This Government views the routine minor road maintenance at Horseshoe Bay as some sort of grand achievement. They certainly set the bar low for themselves. Meanwhile has it been noticed how many roads are cracked & subsiding due to the weight of oversized vehicles allowed by guess who?
How long has the asbestos been in storage. One of the grand promises the PLP made in 1998 was that they would deal with it. Over 12 years later they have NOT done a thing but move it around. It is accepted that asbestos, when wet, is harmless. Put it on a barge. Take it out to sea. Push the containers off the barge. How many consultants does the PLP need to tell them that?
Derrick, can you say nepotism? Its a good word that l’m sure your familiar with, soon everyone will claim to be in your family…….who needs a bidding process when your in the PLP’s family of people that look like one another.