Addressing ageing and increasingly precarious wall structures that are prone to collapse and pose a risk to public safety is a “high priority” for the Government, which has more than $1.5 million earmarked for urgent repairs.

Property owners were also reminded of their responsibility to keep walls maintained to a safe standard.

Responding to questions from The Royal Gazette following a substantial wall collapse in Hamilton Parish on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment acknowledged that some of the older structures could present a hazard.

According to a witness of the incident on Wednesday, three motorcycles were buried under rubble but no one was injured.

The ministry spokesman said: “Some older walls do present a risk, particularly those built before modern construction standards were introduced.

“The ministry continually assesses and updates its inventory of retaining structures and wall systems.

“While an exact number of all structures of possible concern is not available at this time, all known high-risk locations are being prioritised for inspection and repair.

He said addressing unsafe walls “remains a high priority”.

“Each year, the Government allocates significant funding to the repair and rebuilding of retaining walls across the island.

“The ministry continues to dedicate resources to protect public safety and maintain critical infrastructure.”

According to the Budget Statement for 2025-26 in the section on capital projects over $1 million, $1,525,000 was allocated for dangerous walls and rock faces.

Speaking specifically to the collapse on Wednesday, which was next to Dub City and a short distance from Francis Patton Primary School and Lyceum Preschool, the spokesman added: “Any wall failure in a public or high-traffic area presents a potential risk.

“The ministry assesses each incident individually and takes swift action to secure affected areas, particularly near schools or pedestrian routes, to ensure public safety.”

The ministry issued a reminder to owners of private property to ensure the safety of their walls.

“While the Government maintains public infrastructure, private property owners also have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their walls are properly maintained and safe.”

The ministry said the old walls can be unsafe for a number of reasons including outdated construction standards, a lack of reinforcement such as rebar, as well as vegetation growth and poor drainage.

The spokesman said that if an area is deemed unsafe, the ministry immediately takes steps to close or restrict access until it is secure.

“The public can be assured that no area remains open if it poses a confirmed danger,” he said.

The spokesman added: “The ministry has identified several areas requiring attention and the repair works have been scheduled accordingly, with the most urgent cases given priority.”

The Gazette asked for an update on Black Watch Pass in Pembroke which has also encountered stability issues in the past.

The spokesman said: “A portion of Black Watch Pass remains under restriction while structural and safety assessments continue.

“As a precaution, the ministry has decided to keep this section restricted until scaling and clearing works can be completed.

“While we do not have a confirmed timeline for completion, the restriction will remain in place until the area is fully stabilised and deemed safe for reopening.

“The ministry appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as this essential safety work progresses.”

Road paving works had to be halted recently in Hamilton Parish owing to an old wall that would not have been able to withstand necessary milling work.

A lane closure on Middle Road near Five-Star Island began in July owing to urgent road-edge repairs that were expected to take up to five months.

The spokesman said of this work: “The section of wall along Middle Road, Southampton was identified as being at risk of collapse.

“As a precaution, the ministry temporarily closed the affected lane to protect the public. We thank the public for their patience and understanding as repairs get under way.

“Wherever imminent danger is identified, the ministry always prioritises safety — this may require temporary lane closures, diversions or restricted access to the affected area.”

Work on Somerset Road was completed in March.

The $1.1 million scheme involved replacing a deteriorated retaining wall along Scaur Hill in Sandys with a durable 230ft structure.

In November 2023, a large section of wall collapsed near Flatts Post Office. A deep pile of rubble was mounted up on the sidewalk, a route often used by students of the Whitney Institute Middle School nearby, and the public roadway.

The ministry spokesman said of this incident: “The collapse near Flatts Post Office in November 2023 involved a privately-owned wall that showed no visible signs of distress before failure — something not uncommon in older walls lacking reinforcement.”

In July 2023, a block of limestone on Court Street crashed on to the sidewalk from a section of the wall of the adjoining Sessions House in Hamilton.

The Government and City of Hamilton butted heads over who was responsible for its maintenance.

The city eventually said it would monitor and maintain the structure and put out temporary barriers in the area.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment encouraged all members of the public to report any concerns regarding wall or slope stability to the ministry by calling 295-5151 or e-mailing publicworks@gov.bm.