Video: Minister DeSilva Press Conference
[Updated] Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane DeSilva is holding a press conference this morning [Nov 27] to provide an “update on the Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing.” We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.
Update 6.40pm: Deputy Premier Zane DeSilva said, “Good morning, everyone, It is a pleasure to join you here in St. David’s as we continue our work to expand quality, affordable housing for Bermudians through the Bermuda Housing Corporation’s Residential Building Programme.
“Today, we acknowledge the continued progress of the Battery Road Development, a project years in the making that continues to move forward with determination, despite challenges along the way.
“I would like to recognise the Area MP Ms. Lovitta Foggo, the Chairman and Board of the Bermuda Housing Corporation Mr. Chris Famous, and the dedicated BHC team led by Mr. Paul Martin. I also extend my thanks to our contractors and partners whose hard work is helping bring this development to life.
“The inception of this project began in 2018, when the Project Management Department at BHC identified the Battery Road site as a location capable of delivering meaningful, modern housing for the community.
“Over the past several years, this project has evolved from concept to a fully active construction site, a journey that has required patience, planning, and persistence. From initial design work and site preparation to navigating unforeseen obstacles, including a pandemic, global supply chain disruptions that impacted construction projects across Bermuda, the Battery Road Development has steadily advanced because of the commitment of the BHC team and our partners.
“Today’s progress reflects that long-standing effort and our shared determination to deliver high-quality, affordable homes for Bermudians.
“On April 4, 2024, Premier the Hon David Burt JP, MP, and Lt-Colonel David Burch, the former Minister of Public Works, officially opened Phase One at 22 Battery Road.
“That phase delivered:
- “Four units [three studios and one two-bedroom/one-bath]
- “An 82,000-gallon water tank, ensuring long-term water storage capacity
- “A project value of $896,000, including roughly $200,000 in shared infrastructure costs that support both Phase One and Phase Two.
“Phase One marked an important milestone in the redevelopment of this site and laid the foundation for the expansion now underway.
“Building on that success, today we are pleased to highlight the ongoing progress of Phase Two which will deliver:
- “A 9,400 sq. ft. residential building
- “12 modern units
- “6 studio apartments
- “4 two-bedroom units
- “2 uniquely designed one-bedroom units
“The construction value of this phase is $3.75 million, representing a substantial investment in St. David’s housing infrastructure.
“I would like to acknowledge Ocean Interiors, the General Contractor, for their ongoing work and collaboration.
“Phase Two is moving ahead, with a revised completion date of August 2026. We look forward to handing over these new homes to Bermudians who need them most.
“Battery Road is one of several projects moving forward under the BHC’s expanding pipeline. Across the island, these developments are transforming outdated sites, revitalising underused properties, and increasing the supply of modern, affordable housing for Bermudians.
“We continue to make progress through the Residential Building Programme, the Private Sector Refurbishment Programme, and our modular housing pilot, all part of a long-term strategy designed to increase supply, provide more choice, and modernise Bermuda’s overall housing system.
“Every additional unit, whether a studio, a loft, or a two-bedroom apartment, represents another Bermudian or Bermudian family gaining secure, stable housing.
“And this is the purpose of our work.
“Today’s update is more than a construction milestone. It represents our commitment to people-first development, where housing is viewed not only as infrastructure, but as a foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity.
“To the BHC staff, contractors, engineers, and tradespeople, thank you for your dedication. To the residents of St. David’s, thank you for your patience and partnership as this long-planned project comes to fruition.
“We look forward to returning in 2026 to open the completed Phase Two building and welcome new tenants into their homes.
“Together, we are strengthening communities, increasing affordability, and building a housing system that works for all Bermudians.
“Thank you. I am happy to take your questions.”
“update on the Government’s efforts to provide affordable housing”
I can’t bear to listen. Are we spending another $100 million or more to build another 94 units that locals will not be able to afford?
It amazes me how folks automatically want the plans to fail. Politics at its worst.
Hardly a case of people wanting plans to fail when they’re deeply flawed from the outset. Political excuse making at its worst.
What is so deeply flawed about this proposal ? Please elaborate.
These will be built for people who can’t afford them but sold to people that have three and four houses so they can rent them to the pour people that they were intended for and thus round and round it goes.
PLP selling land to foreigners, allowing foreign majority ownership of Bermuda companies (like Belco), pricing Bermudians out of th Bermudiana Beach resort condos while expecting Bermudians to live inside containers,
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting,
There is an imbalance between the economy of the country and the cost of living and i will include of housing to the list.
We are throwing money we don’t have at failed projects, is it to keep the construction industry going or the build what the people don’t want .
The money is not there, until Bermuda addresses its income shortfall and stop taking out loans. That is buying from the future not promised
Do no ask that question ask the question you already should know the answer..
Bermuda is paying out money in the jobs market and not getting value for money back.
do not bet on it.
Have we the Bermuda public lost faith in Bermuda . Well ! why have many have jumped ship.
Bermuda has a big problem trying to keep up with ” INSTANT GRATIFICATION”. Do young people think we owe them a living, why not, if they can keep pulling that trick off .
Is nothing we do with our tax money ever good enough unless its free because nothing will ever good enough and neither is the talent or ability there to met the cost.
WE ARE ALL LIVING BEYOND OUR PRESENT MEANS
Regardless of any effort the Government makes make affordable housing work which puts Bermuda behind the eight ball the classic example no body will make any sacrifice of not even food is enough they want that free also so why grow it
Sad to say i doubt that Bermudiana Beach did ever satisfy people , they did not want the beach from to get go ,they want what the same as many you and I have worked for FREE !
PLP want Bermudians to live in shanty town pre fabricated hovels, where as all the foreigners own the houses, land, businesses. Wake up people.
“where as all the foreigners own the houses, land, businesses”
That is not true.
It may not start out as “shanty town” given time it will end up that way.
So happy to see this. There is a great shortage of houses in Bermuda with so much vacant land and golf courses.
Try searching for a home to rent and only thing you see are units for $5000 up. Who can afford this? It’s not sustainable. Glad the government is stepping up. Big up Mr. DeSilva and team!
“only thing you see are units for $5000 up”
I suggest that you contact the Bermuda Housing Corporation about living at White Elephant/Grand Atlantic/Bermudiana Beach
Mr Bloggs an to all it may concern.
There is the unfinished Church in St Georges ,
THE BERMUDIANA BEACH.
In the recent past i and many other have bi ~ rated the Bermudiana beach housing porject for one or more reasons, one after another, that was wrong .
You all have had you say .
May be that has fallen on deaf ears and frankly how can you apportion blame for he past 12 years where so many took part
The project is finished including land scaping ,however , no body is complaining about workman ship.
We all know what went wrong blame it you will on ever seas costs.
The Government did it best , the were no funny irregularities.
Also people need to get paid for a days work.
You only need to build a house to learn that there many pit falls, could you or I have done better ? ~~~~ I doubt it !
The crystal ball became tarnished with escalating prices.
That was not their fault neither mine or yours every thing cost more theses days that is the way it is and has been that way for many years, the world has lost its mind, here also with price gouging, virtually all the materials had to be imported by some body . .
Who kept the economy going and food on the table you may ask, no body wants or can work for nothing. MEN NEED TO GEY PA D FOR THEIR WORK.
Many vendors became rich even also every body go a piece of the pie, for some time .
I can tell you this fact there is not one house standing to day which is deamned perfect every one has its problems in one way or another.
PUTTY AND PAINT CAN SOLVE MANY A COMPLAINT.
Did i just say that the Bermudiana beach is now completed that is absolutely fantastic case of hard work and fortiyde and enduravce and very hard work.
Many have not a clew and don’t i know what it must have taken to plan and build the project.
ok ! not every body wanted or liked that project , that is your problem
ay least the project put a roof over peoples head .
They all can give you 1,001 reasons why and what for . May be they all prefer to sleep in the back of car .
Now it is time to move on. it is time for me you an many others to “MAN UP’” and take back the cruel comments made, some how SORRY and never will not cut it .
Congratulations are long over due and are in order .
Bermuda construction will alway hold value not today but over time that is Bermuda’s oil well or Gold mine.
‘ let us not forget ‘
.’ AS WE LAY STONE ON STONE LET US NOT FORGET THAT THOSE STONED WILL BE HELD SACRED. OUR FOREFATHERS WILL SAY. THIS OUR SONS HAVE DONE BEFORE US.’
AFFORDABILITY.
There is allot of talk about affordability , unfortunately no body can achieve that unless there are lasting price or profit controls put in place with penalties that unfortunately becomes a double edged sword. PROFIT & WAGES $$$$ ?
To prevent the give an take exercise government thinks it can buy its way out of it , not possible , if that were posable we would not be where we are to day with our tax money paying loans interest.
That has put the whole country in a big hole that will last for years.
Where ever there is a loop hole big business will find it, for there own gain.
if we think our inflation is over , you are sadly are mistaken, labour rates have increased and i will say we abd the country are forced to live beyond our income .
Bermuda has sadly as earned a reputation from some time back as not being affordable sad to say why visirors do not come here .
A balance budget was a failure which has not changed because of apathy and cost over runs we are getting too close to the wire .
The slogan .
“Me first, me second, and if there is any thing leftover me again”. in a nut shell or in one word. GREED.
RENTAL MARKET >
Nobody wants to take the time to ask why.
rebt are at the estimated rents at $5000. per month we will leave the worst problems till last. a re renter get a good deal well the are taking the easy way out if they don’t like it they can pack up ad go.
Why don’t people build their own house with a unit to rent, could that sacrifice make them think twice it is unbelievable the amount of damage tenants can do to a property. There is virtually no protection .
What does the land lord have to pay out to accommodate other than family .
Ask the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
You will be horrified that the short fall could come from your tax money., Where else?
Many landlords do not find it no longer profitable to rent even to family and better to keep there remaining part of their dwelling vacant, alternately to restore the dwelling back to as original.
THE LUCKY DIP.
Maintenance
loan repayment on debt
Land tax
Mortgage interest
Insurance.
Rental agents fees
Loss of rent
Damage caused from pets.
Fire and wind storm damage
Some tenants don’t give a dam.
Many have bad credit .
Banks do not make money from loans.
Banks do not lend to seniors
Tenants cut an run and never pay last month rent
Loss of rent from tenants who skip the island.
Loss of several months rent between tenancy
If land lords get 50 % of gross per annum the are lucky.
Some tenants have a smashing good time and run
“..with so much vacant land and golf courses.”
LOL .. open your eyes !