Video: Minister David Burch Press Conference

[Updated] Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch is holding a press conference this afternoon [Oct 16] at the Arboretum to discuss his Ministry’s enhancement initiatives as part of the Mid-Year Budget Review. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.

Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the replay is below

Update 4.45pm: Minister Burch’s remarks:

Good afternoon.

I am here to share some important updates from the Ministry of Public Works that will positively impact the lives of Bermudians. As part of the recent Mid-Year Budget Review, we have been allocated an additional three million, four hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars [$3,465,000] to fund several projects to enhance our infrastructure and benefit our community.

These funds are in addition to those provided for in the annual budget in March to supplement the work currently being done.

We are here today at the Arboretum, just off Middle Road in Devonshire where one of our amazing Solo Sweepers, Mr. Willard Richardson operates from. He like the others turns up for work every day and gets the job done. Those are the gentlemen with the yellow trolleys who sweep the streets.

• Another two hundred thousand [$200,000] is provided to hire 10 additional solo sweepers. These individuals will help keep our streets clean by removing debris from specific areas across the Island. As we have had a reduction in the current number of sweepers – we will be replacing those 4 as well. So, in total we will be hiring 14 additional sweepers who will be deployed across the Island. This will take the number to 0 solo sweepers and is good value for money as each of them diligently go about their work.

• Two hundred thousand dollars [$200,000] will go toward clearing overgrown vegetation on the Tribe Roads. These roads are essential not just for residents but also for emergency services responding to incidents. Keeping them clear is important for everyone’s safety.

• A further two hundred thousand [$200,000] will be used to clear overgrown vegetation on the railway trails. Currently Parks workers carry out this work on weekends but have struggled to manage.

The bulk of the funding, just over two-point eight million, [$2,865,000], is earmarked for capital projects:

For instance, we are investing four hundred thousand [$400,000] to repair several public docks, including Mangrove Bay Dock in Sandys, Ports Island, Dock Hill Swimming Facility and the Prison Farm Jetty. These docks are widely used for fishing, swimming, and boat activities, as well as for various community programmes like summer camps and charities. These works will be carried out before the start of next summers season.

We will spend one million dollars [$1,000,000] on private-sector road paving. I must note that for several years, funding has not been available for this purpose.

We have identified areas in need, and we will work with local MPs to initiate the necessary processes under the Private Roads Improvement Act, 1969 and the Private Roads Lighting Act, 1984.

Elsewhere, to improve road safety, we are dedicating one hundred thousand [$100,000] to installing additional streetlights on private roads. Better lighting means safer conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. We believe that improving these roads will benefit residents by enhancing safety and accessibility in their neighbourhoods.

We are also allocating one hundred and fifty thousand dollars [$150,000] to purchase new highway-grade aluminum guardrails. These will help minimize injuries by protecting drivers from hazards like steep drops, utility poles, and bridge pillars.

Pedestrian safety is equally important. We are investing eighty thousand [$80,000] to purchase 10 sets of new flashing pedestrian beacons for crosswalks. This will bring our total to 44 new beacons over the past two years, which will make crossing the street safer for everyone.

At the busy intersection near the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium on Marsh Folly Road and St. Johns Road—which many students from nearby schools’ use—we are spending one hundred and eighty thousand [$180,000] to repair sidewalks and install steel fencing.

Our public parks are valuable community spaces. We are putting eighty thousand [$80,000] toward updating and installing fencing around parks to enhance their appearance and control vehicular access.

We are investing two hundred and fifty thousand [$250,000] to replace old playground equipment at Shelly Bay, Somerset Long Bay, and Warwick Long Bay. We want our children to have safe, modern places to play and enjoy the outdoors.

At Horseshoe Bay Beach, the lifeguard tower and changing room need replacing. Therefore, we are putting aside one hundred and seventy-five thousand [$175,000] to ensure this popular beach remains safe and welcoming for locals and visitors.

Last but certainly not least, one of our projects focuses on supporting young adults aged 18 to 24 who are transitioning out of the Department of Child and Family Services’ care.

Earlier this year, we opened the Independent Living Programme facility in St. George’s, which provides housing and support for up to 11 young people. We are granting four hundred and fifty thousand dollars [$450,000] to the Bermuda Housing Corporation for renovations to enhance this facility. These upgrades include adding a meeting room, offices, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a bedroom for staff.

These funds will be used to improve infrastructure and provide better access to parks and walking trails. These projects are about real improvements that you will notice in your everyday life walk.

I am pleased that the Minister of Finance has decided to invest some of the extra revenue back into the community by providing this mid-year budget boost. It allows us to advance work that we would not otherwise have been able to do.

Thank you.

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