It is truly a pleasure to be here today at Battery Road, St. David’s, to celebrate another step in the Government’s efforts to increase the stock of affordable housing in Bermuda.
Out on the doorstep and in our community, you have told us that Bermudians need more affordable housing. You told us of the struggles you faced trying to find places to live and the instability and unhappiness it was creating within your families…and we have listened.
In our 2020 election platform, we pledged that we would increase the number of available, affordable housing throughout the island and make it easier for Bermudians to get onto the property ladder.
In 2022, we followed through on this promise, pledging 15 million dollars to the Bermuda Housing Corporation to bring more affordable housing units online. Since the announcement of that investment, the people of Bermuda have seen 67 additional affordable housing units throughout the island.
However, we understood there was more work to be done. More investment would be required to address our island’s housing shortage and provide more affordable housing units for our people. That is why in the 2024/25 Budget, we announced an additional $10 million would be invested into the Bermuda Housing Corporation to increase the speed of delivery of affordable units and to expand the private sector rental programme, providing even more affordable housing options.
I am proud to join Col. Burch and the Bermuda Housing Corporation today as we unveil four more affordable housing units here at Battery Road, bringing the total number of additional units brought online to 71. While this is a significant milestone, we know that for the many Bermudians still searching for a place to stay that they can afford, this news probably doesn’t mean much for you today in the midst of your own personal struggle.
To you, I say that more units are on the way here at Battery Road and other ongoing projects throughout the island. We have heard you, and we will not be deterred from providing our people with the homes they need, despite the noise and criticism from the Opposition of our choice to invest in Bermudians and their future through affordable housing.
This PLP Government’s record on affordable housing is unparalleled, and as I said, we are just getting started. We are committed to our mission to ensure that all persons have adequate, quality, and affordable housing.
I thank Col. Burch and his team at the Ministry of Public Works for spearheading this initiative and ensuring that the Government delivers on our promise to the people of Bermuda. I also thank the Bermuda Housing Corporation Chair MP Chris Famous and the entire BHC staff for their dedication and commitment.
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