Column: MP Zane DeSilva On Housing & More
[Opinion column written by MP Zane DeSilva]
To some the housing issue is “somebody else’s problem,” but to us, housing is about whether a senior can afford to stay in the home or neighbourhood they helped build. It’s about whether a young family can put down roots instead of bouncing from rental to rental, and it’s about whether every Bermudian feels secure enough to plan for the future. When housing becomes unaffordable, everything else; health, education, being productive at work gets harder.
The Progressive Labour Party believes that a decent, affordable home is foundational to a fairer Bermuda. We reject the idea that housing insecurity is simply the cost of doing business in a small island economy. Governments make choices and for us, the choice is to act with urgency, compassion, and responsibility so that Bermudians are not priced out of our own country.
That action is already underway. Through the Residential Building Programme, the Government is delivering new affordable homes across the island, including projects in Paget, St. George’s, and St. David’s, with numerous units coming online by mid- late 2026 and more in the pipeline. Modular housing is being used where appropriate, in order to speed up delivery without sacrificing quality. And for the first time, Bermuda has a long-term Affordable Housing Strategy that sets clear definitions, targets, and accountability.
The One Bermuda Alliance has, as they usually do, offered criticism with little solutions, all while ignoring their own record on housing. During their time in office, housing was completely ignored with no affordable housing units built. Their five years of inaction and neglect helped get us to the housing crisis our people face today. In comparison the PLP has renovated/built over 100 units since 2017.
While we will take on legitimate solutions, genuine compassion for Bermudians, and real concerns, what we will not do is be lectured to or distracted by an OBA that seems more interested in scoring political points than in the well-being of Bermudians. Our focus on increasing access to affordable housing is a key part of that vision.
Yet, as we focus on increasing affordable housing in our country for our people, we also understand community concerns. New housing must strengthen neighbourhoods, not disrupt them. That’s why we are committed to strong screening, strong management, community engagement, and firm action against anti-social behaviour. Affordable housing should mean safe, stable housing for residents and neighbours alike.
Finally, this is a moment that calls for open minds and compassion. Bermuda will need new housing ideas and new ways of thinking. We ask the public to meet this challenge with compassion, for seniors, for families, for Bermudians who are often struggling through no fault of their own.
If we keep our focus on people, stay grounded in fairness, and work together, we can build more than houses. We can build security, opportunity, and a Bermuda that works for everyone.
- Minister of Housing & Municipalities Zane DeSilva
So what will the cost of affordable housing units be? I don’t see that mentioned.
The cost of a plumber building a house in Tuckers Town will be the same per hour as the cost of the plumber, or any other trade, building the supposedly low cost house wherever that might be.
Maybe DeSilva thinks that construction trades are going to work for a whole lot less to make it low cost housing. Maybe he will do the excavating at less than cost.
Dream on.