“I implore members of the public to cease and desist,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, as the Ministry reminds the public that including faeces in household trash is prohibited.

Under no circumstances should any animal or human faeces ever be included in household trash put out for collection by the Waste Management Section.

Including faeces in household waste presents a significant health risk to both Waste Collectors and the public at large should a waste bag become torn or damaged.

“Given these circumstances, we believe the equitable course of action is to allow both of our municipal bodies to proceed with their elections providing for officeholders to serve for two years instead of the customary three years, pending the Privy Council’s ruling,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.

The Ministry of Public Works has informed the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George that they may hold ordinary municipal elections this coming May.

Good afternoon – I am delighted to be here today to highlight key initiatives for the Ministry of Public Works as outlined in the national Budget last Friday.

As you already know, the Ministry is responsible for the Island's critical infrastructure, including roads, sewage, waste collection, water supply, quangos and by extension Municipalities, lands and parks, among other areas. These areas are Bermuda's essential resources, which is our responsibility to sustain and play a crucial role in our Path to Continued Economic Growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to report on the Government procurement methods and the Ministry of Public Works initiative to improve this process by reducing the excessive amounts of unnecessary bureaucracy and minutia that local businesses have to endure when placing bids on Government contracts.

Mr. Speaker, in 2017 this Administration pledged to increase efficiency within Government and decrease the response time - a pledge I intend to keep.

“While ideally, we would have preferred more time to take over responsibility for the iconic event, we nevertheless understand AG Show Limited’s rationale for deciding not to host it this year,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, on the Government resuming management of the annual AG Show.

“Existing vendors should be given a fair chance to recoup some of what they lost as a result of the impact on the local economy from the pandemic,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.

In accordance with the Procurement Code of Practice, the Minister has decided to terminate a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued to the public on 23 December 2022.

“We have replaced the Governor and Premier’s official cars after over 20 years in service,” said Minister of Public Works Lt. Col. the Hon. David Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP. “We believe this decision represents a prudent investment in our Government fleet.”

The Ministry of Public Works took the decision to replace the Toyota Camry model vehicles as a result of constant breakdowns after more than 20 years in service.

The estimated repairs to each vehicle were approximately $30,000, which was a cost the Ministry could not justify due to their age.

The Ministry of Public Works advises that it will begin its Biannual Septage Disposal Operations commencing Monday, 23 January until Friday, 27 January. 

As a result of these operations, residents near the Marsh Folly Composting facility may encounter unpleasant odours. However, despite the odours, the Ministry assures residents and the general public that there is no risk to the environment.

The working hours will be from 7.30 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.

As a note, the process is as follows:

The Ministry of Public Works Waste Management Section wishes to advise residents that as of today, 30 December, it is currently experiencing delays in collecting garbage this weekend due to mechanical failures in several collections vehicles.

Mechanical crews are scheduled to work through the night to restore more garbage collection trucks into service.

Garbage that is not collected on Saturday, 31 December, will be collected on Monday, 2 January 2023.

Good Morning.

I am pleased to be joined today by the Minister of Social Development & Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, the new Salvation Army Bermuda Divisional Commander Major Rob Kerr, Mrs. Beverley Daniels Executive Director of Social Services of the Salvation Army, members of BHC Board and staff.