Column: Burch On Road Restoration & More
[Column written by Minister Lt/Col David Burch]
Like you, we in the Progressive Labour Party, are looking forward to the full restoration of Bermuda’s roads to the condition that we are used to and deserve. We are making steady progress and have recently taken a big step forward in making that a reality.
The acquisition of a new asphalt plant, alongside the cutting-edge screening plant, asphalt milling machine, material transfer vehicle, and asphalt paver, represents a substantial investment in Bermuda’s future. This equipment will not only enhance the quality of our roads but also extend their lifespan, ensuring that our infrastructure can meet the demands of the future.
One of the standout features of our partnership with Astec Industries – a leading provider of asphalt plants and paving equipment in the United States
In this initiative is the provision of free training for our public officers. This training allows our team to gain expertise in modern paving techniques and applications, ensuring that our workforce is even better equipped to maintain the highest standards of road construction and maintenance. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to not just immediate improvements but also long-term capacity building within our workforce.
Over the years we have seen challenges that have impacted our road conditions, including the extensive BELCO Capital Plan, excessive rainfall, and recurring issues with existing asphalting assets.
Despite all this, the Ministry of Public Works has “stuck to the wicket,” and is making steady progress with the recent restoration of South Shore Road, Southampton and the at Collector’s Hill South/Road Junction as prime examples.
Looking ahead, Middle Road in Warwick, Crawl Hill in Hamilton Parish, and the extensive work along Harrington Sound Road to Flatts will be next on our comprehensive and strategic approach to infrastructure improvement. The coordination with BELCO’s upcoming works ensures that our road maintenance efforts are aligned with other essential infrastructure projects, minimising disruptions and maximising efficiency.
In conclusion, your PLP government is committed to restoring our roads to the conditions that all of us expect and deserve. We are investing in new technology, giving our roads team new training and skills, and taking a strategic approach designed not just for today but for the future.
We know that driving on our roads hasn’t been the best experience and we are working to make things better for all of us. We are truly grateful to each of you for your patience and understanding as we not only get things back to the way they should be but also take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
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At least we know when road trenching is going to happen – Govt. paves the road first.
In ordinary words, we the PLP allowed the roads to deteriorate to the appalling condition they are in through lack of maintenance over the years. Based on the years of complaints from the public, we are now taking credit for doing what we should have been doing as part of the responsibility of Government, which we failed.