OBA’s Linda Smith On Asphalt Plant & More
“The recent Government press conference announcing the commencement of road works on Church Road, Southampton has been a long time coming and now appears to be made possible only through a new partnership between Government and Bermuda’s largest private paving company, Surface Experts Limited,” OBA MP Linda Smith said.
Ms. Smith said, “The recent Government press conference announcing the commencement of road works on Church Road, Southampton has been a long time coming and now appears to be made possible only through a new partnership between Government and Bermuda’s largest private paving company, Surface Experts Limited.
“This news is disturbing given that it was only two years ago that Government spent $5.2 million on a new asphalt production plant that apparently has yet to arrive in Bermuda. Additionally, it is difficult to fathom that no one in Government seems to feel a need to update the public or talk about what has happened to the plant.
“Certainly, the Church Road project has been a long time coming. Area residents had been appealing to Government, and former Southampton West Central MP the now Senator Crystal Caesar, for over five years.
“While there is a lot of competition across the Island for urgent paving projects, Church Road is different from many other roads in that it is a public road that is home to three schools, a church and post office. It also sits between Middle and South Roads and is often used as a thoroughfare. Additionally, it has several residential branch roads flowing to it. Public Works & Environment Minister the Hon. Jache Adams said work on Church Road has begun and will continue for the next few weeks to include improved road safety measures. This is good news to many.
“When speaking about Church Road, Minister Adams announced several projects that will follow. Apparently, these are also being made possible due to the new private paving company partnership.
“While most everyone will agree that our roads need urgent improvement, we should not lose sight of the fact that only $5 million was allocated by Government in the 2026/2027 budget for road paving projects. This now begs questions about the value of the most recent paving partnering arrangement. It also raises questions about the whereabouts and status of Bermuda’s already paid for asphalt production plant.”
