Minister: Teams Working To Address Potholes
“Our Highways teams are working to address the pothole issues that plague our roads,” said Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch, in an update on the Government’s efforts to repair public roads.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works is actively addressing the issue of potholes across Bermuda’s road network. This has impacted the motoring public, especially following the recent heavy rainfall, which has exacerbated the situation.
“Despite unprecedented rainfall challenges over the past year, the Ministry remains focused on improving road conditions and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all road users.”
Minister Burch added: “Unfortunately, we cannot repair all potholes simultaneously. We understand the frustration and inconvenience caused by these road conditions. I assure you that every report is taken seriously, and action is being taken to remedy these issues as swiftly as possible.
“I have to drive on the same roads as everyone else, and I too regularly report the potholes that I notice to the potholes@gov.bm email address so that the Highways team can address them.”
The Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by residents regarding potholes, emphasizing that efforts to fill all reported potholes are continuous.
“Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution while driving on the roads and to drive preventively to avoid going over potholes.
“The public is encouraged to continue reporting potholes to potholes@gov.bm to facilitate efficient and timely repairs.
“A day of fair weather without rain allows the Ministry’s Highways team to initiate essential road repairs, prioritizing the filling of reported potholes.
“This systematic approach ensures that repairs are durable and practical, mitigating the risk of further deterioration due to wet weather.”
Minister Burch added, “As I have reported previously, the Government’s asphalt plant, crucial for pothole repairs, has been out of service since last summer, leading to a reliance on asphalt from the other vendor — East End Asphalt.
“However, East End Asphalt’s plant is also currently out of service. The Ministry has adapted by utilizing bagged asphalt as a temporary solution to repair potholes.
“This interim measure allows the Highways team to continue repairing major roads and critical areas during dry periods. Once the plant is operational again – the Ministry will use their asphalt for our paving and pothole filling needs.”
The Government spokesperson said, “Permanent refurbishments have been delayed due to necessary trenching work for underground Belco cables. Bermuda’s roads require long-term paving solutions to address the underlying issue of deteriorating infrastructure – however, it will take time to achieve this.
“Plans are well underway to procure a new asphalt plant and associated equipment to enhance the Ministry’s repair capabilities, alongside exploring alternative asphalt supplies to mitigate current shortages.
“Over the recent weekend, repair works were completed at North Shore Road at Crawl Hill in Hamilton Parish and Edgehill Drive on Middle Road in Paget, demonstrating the Ministry’s focus on improving road conditions.”
Minister Burch emphasized, “While we recognize that the road to recovery is not without its challenges, permanently restoring our roads is my number one priority. Realistically, we are six months away from a new plant being operational and producing asphalt on a regular basis.
“We thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work towards permanent solutions for our road infrastructure.”
Where? Where are the teams addressing these potholes because I NEVER see them? But ace boy spends all this money and goes all the way to Dubai for a fun trip that benefits VERY few.
What does a trip to Dubai (or anywhere) have to do with the road situation?
Remember when the previous Government spent monies on things you deemed to be unnecessary and you and others used the argument that they could’ve been better spent elsewhere?
Well, there’s your answer.
The guys full of sheet.
”I regularly drive”
Yeah rite in ah Guv Weehikle…………………..
North Shore at Crawl Hill? Where? A hole by Burchalls Cove I’ll give you but then?
our Roads can be described in one word ” Pathetic” this government cant fix our roads ..why its because they are broke … and the flock still believe they can run our country. New plant later this year start paving the roads and call an election ..the blind will once again vote them back in
How much worse are the potholes going to get from 70 heavy electric buses being on the roads? Since the Government is moving to all-electric vehicles to save the planet, why is there no plan to upgrade the roads with better materials to handle the increased vehicle weight? Where is the Government going to get the tens of millions of dollars to upgrade the roads to handle the weight of heavier electric vehicles? How is the Government going to make up for the millions of dollars in lost gasoline and diesel fuel taxes that generate money to fix the roads?
Not good to patch up, just resurface all roads. Tearing up our cars. Sad.
Resurface all roads with what?
East End Asphalt plant is out of service. Why? It is having scheduled MAINTENANCE. Something nothing in the care or responsibility of Government receives. Just wait until it breaks then make excuses. Even simple things such as no spare bulb for Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Time for this joker to retire, not wait until the election.
with all due respect Col Burch – hurry up and retire
“Minister Burch added: “Unfortunately, we cannot repair all potholes simultaneously.”
No, what you’re supposed to do is PLAN and undertake maintenance all the time.
What an utter failure of basic government.
The condition of these roads have kill people on bikes. Tourists season around the corner how many more have to die on rentals?
You the government are responsible!