Today, we announce the further expansion of affordable housing in Bermuda. I am proud to
unveil the completion of Phase I of the Battery Road Development Project under the
auspices of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, the (BHC).
This project began in March 2018 with a vision crafted by the dedicated team members of
the Project Management Department of BHC. Their foresight and planning led to the design
of 17 dwelling units and a new bypass for the St. David’s Nursery, embodying our holistic
approach to community development.
Despite facing challenges such as termite infestation, rot damage, and the unforeseen
hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply-chain issues, our
resolve has never faltered.
Today’s completion of Phase I, which comprises 4 units – (3 studios and one 2-Bedroom/1-
bath units) and an 82,000-gallon water tank at a cost of approximately $896,000, of which
approximately $200K relates to the cost of the shared infrastructure of the entire
development (Phases I & II)
This phase adds valuable units to our housing stock and marks the successful conclusion of
projects under the Economic Stimulus Programme. This was the first injection of additional funding of $1.6 million for housing. Several other tranches have followed and those works are ongoing.
Work continues under the Residential Building Programme which includes a Phase 2 at
Battery Road – that will result in a total of 13 additional units consisting of 4 – two-
bedrooms, 6 studios and 3 one-bedroom units.
The journey to this day has not been without its trials and tribulations. The pandemic-
induced suspension of works, supply-chain disruptions, and the discovery of granite rock
are but a few of the obstacles we have overcome.
Adding these units is another important step towards addressing the growing demand for
affordable housing in Bermuda, with the BHC’s waiting list currently standing at 187 applicants.
The Government and the Bermuda Housing Corporation remain steadfast in our pledge to
tackle the housing shortage head-on.
You will recall hearing that our Ministry’s 2024/25 budget provides a $10 million-dollar
additional boost in funding for the BHC. This increase in the BHC’s budget is a key element
of our concerted efforts to address the housing difficulties many in Bermuda are
encountering, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.
Our objective is to fast-track the creation of the affordable housing stock, leveraging
ongoing initiatives to expand the private sector rental programme. To further this aim, the
BHC has launched a comprehensive strategy to partner with private sector owners to
renovate their units. These units will be added to our housing stock for a specific period of time to recuperate the investment before ultimately handing them back to the original owners, thereby accelerating the provision of affordable housing solutions across Bermuda without having to build new units. Presently we are in detailed discussions with 15 property owners to
renovate their properties. Anyone else who is interested in exploring this option can
contact the BHC on 295-8623.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the BHC Board, ably led by MP Christopher Famous; BHC
General Manager Mr. Paul Martin, BHC Project Manager Mr. Keino Furbert-Jacobs, and the
entire BHC team for their tireless effort and dedication. Their hard work is the backbone of
our success in delivering affordable housing to the people of Bermuda.
The work is ongoing to further expand the number of affordable housing units and we will
keep the public informed of our progress.
In closing, I wish to emphasise that we celebrate today’s achievement as another step
forward in our mission to ensure that every Bermudian has a place to call home and we will
not rest until that objective is achieved.
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