There is only one obstacle in the way of the implementation of a successful housing plan ? and that obstacle is the PLP, Shadow Housing Minister Wayne Furbert declared last night.

Referring to a housing poll commissioned by Government ? which has not yet been seen by ? Mr. Furbert said the PLP was wasting the taxpayer?s money and was ?woefully out of touch with the needs of the average Bermudian?.

He gave examples of the questions: ?How serious is the housing problem in Bermuda overall? What are the most critical housing issues? What group of people is in most need of housing? What does Government need to do to address the housing problem??

The basic nature of the questions left him wondering if Government had any credibility left on housing. ?Is the PLP that out of touch with the people?

?Is this the same PLP that promised seven years ago that they would ?take early steps to alleviate the suffering of families as a result of inadequate housing?? Is this the same PLP that promised to ?review the Government Housing Allowance Programme to ensure that it supplements rents which exceed one quarter of monthly family income???

The information sought after in this particular poll could have been found in the 2000 Census or the 2004 household expenditure survey, he said ? ?information gathering exercises that have already been paid for by the taxpayer.

?Beyond that, anyone with eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that cares knows housing is the number one problem facing our people and that a plan is urgently needed. But didn?t they tell us they had a plan? I?m starting to believe this PLP Government is schizophrenic!?

Mr. Furbert continued: ?So, after seven years the PLP wants to know: ?What does Government need to do to address the housing problem??

?We have a solution and a way forward for the PLP out of this mess: resign, get out of the way and let the UBP get on with its housing plan. It is obvious that the PLP Government has no vision and lacks a clear direction when it comes to housing our people. We know it, they know it, and the people of Bermuda know it.

?We see it in the families that are being broken up because of bad PLP policies; we see it in the people living in cars, in tents, in sheds and on the couches and floors of their friends and relatives. We see it in the people who work hard and play by the rules but are losing hope that they will every be able to own their own home.?

?The quality of life for many has deteriorated right under the nose of this Government and we don?t need an expensive poll to see the problem that is right in front of our faces every day.?

But the UBP has a plan and are chomping at the bit to put it in place, he said. ?It won?t be easy, it won?t happen overnight, but the PLP has the power to make this vision a reality, by removing the only obstacle to this plan ... the PLP.?

A Housing Ministry spokeswoman said last night she was unable to immediately comment on the housing poll. Mr. Furbert said the poll was conducted by Total Marketing.

Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent announced plans for Government to build more than 200 homes during this year?s Budget debate.