Minister DeSilva On Tenant Concerns At BHC
[Updated] In addressing the concerns raised by Mary Victoria Road and Alexandra Road residents, Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane DeSilva said, “I have been made aware of and acknowledge the concerns expressed by Bermuda Housing Corporation [BHC] tenants regarding policies, treatment, and maintenance issues.
“As the newly appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities, I take these matters very seriously and commit to ensuring all BHC tenants receive fair treatment and reside in safe, well-maintained housing.
“The BHC’s mission is to provide affordable, quality housing solutions for Bermudians, and our policies and practices must reflect this commitment. To address the issues raised:
- 1. Maintenance Delays: We are assessing current maintenance protocols and will implement measures to expedite response times, including evaluating our resources and processes to prevent prolonged delays.
- 2. Property Management: We will continue to audit vacant units to determine necessary repairs and set timelines for their completion, aiming to increase the availability of habitable housing.
- 3. Communication: Clear communication is essential. We will enhance our communication strategies to ensure that tenants are well-informed about any policy changes or requirements.
“I am committed to fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the BHC. To that end, I will schedule meetings with tenant representatives to listen to their concerns and suggestions. Together, we will work towards solutions that uphold the dignity and well-being of all residents.
“I appreciate the patience and cooperation of all BHC tenants as we undertake these initiatives. Our collective efforts will ensure that the BHC fulfils its mandate to provide quality housing and services to the people of Bermuda.”
Update April 3, 2.00pm: Shadow Minister of Housing and Municipalities and Home Affairs Michael Fahy said, “Minister DeSilva is certainly making the right noises about making sure BHC housing issues are rectified but the matters raised expose the fact that the Government has neglected the maintenance of units for years. The fact is Bermuda’s infrastructure is crumbling due to decades of under investment. There would be far more trust of what the Government is saying now if they could at last acknowledge their own poor performance to date has led us to this point. We will hold the Government to account and look for regular updates on progress and hope that their promises are more than the typical lip service we have come to expect. The OBA remains committed to continuing to give suggestions to the Government and I will happily assist where I can as Shadow Minister.”
“I am committed to fostering an environment of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the BHC. To that end, I will schedule meetings with tenant representatives to listen to their concerns and suggestions. Together, we will work towards solutions that uphold the dignity and well-being of all residents.”
Nice words. Still no action. And by the way, those same complaints go back to at least the 1980s.
Still can’t believe this guy is even an elected official. You want us to believe anything you say?
Some of these complaints definitely go back to the 80s, so therefore it’s not necessarily a political issue as it spans different governments, Ministers, MPs, and residents.
Hopefully, things can get rectified or at least brought up to a better level but the absence of solution is not solely a PLP issue.
The issues with maintenance (or lack of maintenance) at Alexandra Road and Mary Victoria Road (and Harbourview Village and the rest) are issues the tenants have with the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
How much political interference there might be with the Bermuda Housing Corporation is a different issue.
lol. Nothing is ever a PLP issue in your opinion. lol.
Do you realy think i that i enjoy my self being her tryin to sort you allot out. not one little tiney bit.
. JUST DO IT !
Jeepers creepers ! & honey moley !
Ministers should not complain , just deal with it !
To many thing like roads are left till tomorrow or the next day after yesterday
Mr DeSilver you are a leader so get up there with your paint brush .
You know i just do mot like sanding and painting i have plenty of company on that one .
Invite the Gombays along for entertainment .
Do you know how long it take for a small issue to be come a big issue >>>> OVERNIGHT <<<<<<
" Putty and paint hide many a complaint ".
TIME TO GET TO WORK ! all the gtake is over !